Where AI meets creative practice at the Royal College of Art

The Current Landscape of AI in Creative Industries

AI is not just a buzzword; it's reshaping the creative landscape. At the Royal College of Art (RCA), a fascinating dialogue is emerging that transcends the typical hype and backlash surrounding AI. Instead of merely accepting AI's promises, RCA creatives are exploring its potential in ways that challenge conventional narratives.

Gregor Petrikovič's Journey with Memory and AI

Take Gregor Petrikovič, for instance. This Slovak-British artist and filmmaker utilized AI not as a creative crutch but as a practical tool to address his chronic memory loss. His film, "Sincerely, Victor Pike," was born from an audio archive of conversations he collected over years. Initially overwhelming, these recordings became the foundation for a film that uses AI-generated visuals to reflect the fragmented nature of memory. He notes, "The project is about the stuff that AI cannot capture," highlighting the emotional depth that AI struggles to convey.

Ramla Anshur's Focus on Community-Driven AI Design

On the flip side, Ramla Anshur, a part-time student and experience designer at Accenture, is tackling AI from a community perspective. Her research questions what happens when marginalized communities shape AI technologies instead of being subjected to them. Her experience as a conversation designer revealed the limitations of AI when it comes to diverse accents and accessibility needs. This sparked her interest in envisioning alternative tech futures that prioritize cultural values and knowledge.

The RCA's Influence on Their Creative Practices

Both Gregor and Ramla credit the RCA for providing the intellectual and creative space necessary for their explorations. Gregor's background in analogue filmmaking and Ramla's focus on justice and regeneration in tech have shaped their unique approaches to AI. The RCA encourages students to prioritize ideas over finished products, fostering an environment where experimentation thrives.

The Broader Implications of Their Work in the Tech Narrative

Their work is not just about individual projects; it's a commentary on the broader narrative of AI in society. Ramla's co-authored paper outlines a framework for resisting the narrative of AI inevitability, emphasizing that many artists are pushing back against the notion that AI is the only future. The demand for human creativity remains strong, and both creatives advocate for organizing and collective action to shape a future that values human input.

In essence, the RCA is cultivating a generation of artists who are not just consumers of technology but critical thinkers who engage with it thoughtfully. As Gregor puts it, "AI is only as interesting as the questions you bring to it."