Artificial intelligence is influencing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, merging tradition with technology. Artist Daniah Al-Saleh exemplifies this integration, using AI to explore cultural memory and heritage. Her distinctive works challenge cultural norms and engage with complex themes, while curators like Auronda Scalera and Alfredo Cramerotti support artists in navigating the evolving art landscape and addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into creative industries in Saudi Arabia is fostering an innovative blend of tradition and technology. Artists are utilizing personal archives and cultural memories to engage in a collaborative human-machine effort, showcasing a dynamic evolution in artistic practices. Notably, Daniah Al-Saleh is making strides in this transformation by merging AI with cultural memory, exemplified through diverse artistic expressions.

Daniah Al-Saleh has gained recognition for her innovative work featured at Noor Riyadh 2022, the world’s largest light art festival. Beginning her artistic journey with geometric watercolors, her pursuit of a master’s degree in computational art deepened her understanding and application of programming. This academic evolution was pivotal, leading to the creation of her award-winning installation, “Sawtam,” which represents a notable milestone in her career.

Discussing her work, Al-Saleh stated, “I broke down the spoken word into the tiniest form of communication, which was the phoneme.” Her unique soundscape installation merges Arabic phonemes into an intricate sound experience. While her studies at Goldsmiths, University of London introduced her to machine learning, she skillfully employed the program StyleGAN to manifest multiple notable works, including “Love Stories,” which challenges cultural resistance to affection in conservative societies.

Another prominent piece, “Evanesce,” evokes nostalgia for the golden era of Egyptian cinema through AI-generated videos. Additionally, “Rewind Play Glitch” presents a mosaic of personal imagery delving into themes of love and the passage of time. Al-Saleh skillfully combines traditional techniques with digital methods, exemplified in her 2022 piece, “Hinat,” which pays tribute to a historical Nabatean figure, currently displayed in the “Art of the Kingdom” exhibition.

For “Hinat,” she collaborated with local women and filmed in Saudi Arabia’s historical AlUla region. Al-Saleh acknowledges that as technology advances, she must adapt her methods, reflecting on the temporal nature of AI tools, such as her previous use of StyleGAN, now obsolete. “As an artist, I need to adapt and see within what context can I use that,” she explained.

AI’s application extends beyond visual art; it also encompasses music composition, poetry, and sculpture design. Artists leveraging AI benefit from curatorial support, as exemplified by the work of Qatar-based curators Auronda Scalera and Alfredo Cramerotti. They advocate for artists who develop their customized AI tools rather than relying on mainstream platforms.

Such customizations allow artists to maintain control over their work processes. Al-Saleh prefers using her personal archive, stating: “I don’t use ready-made data sets — I collect what I can from open-source content.” She faced challenges in gathering publicly available datasets for her projects while adhering to ethical art practices.

Scalera and Cramerotti not only curated the recent Noor Riyadh festival but also directed the 13th anniversary of the Lumen Prize X Sotheby’s, showcasing digital artworks of leading artists. They advocate a distinct artistic approach to AI, emphasizing critical reflection and alternative uses, contrasting with the functional focus seen in design. Cramerotti articulated that artists explore the complexities of technology in ways that extend beyond its original purpose.

As technology evolves, curatorial practices must adapt to reflect contemporary and digital art intersections. Cramerotti and Scalera recognize the challenge posed by varying levels of understanding between digital curators and traditional museum operatives, urging a need for expanded expertise as art practices change. Their partnership as curators promotes curiosity and adaptability, fostering cooperation with artists in exploring new technological landscapes.

The latest Noor Riyadh edition showcased numerous AI-generated artworks addressing the theme “Light Years Apart,” reinforcing the ongoing dialogue about the ethical implications surrounding AI art. A recent open letter by over 5,600 artists criticized AI models using copyrighted works, prompting a broader discourse on creative integrity and ownership in the digital age. Scalera confirmed the importance of such discussions, noting, “It’s an open discourse now.”

The evolving landscape of art and technology in Saudi Arabia is spearheaded by artists like Daniah Al-Saleh, who skilfully integrate AI with traditional artistic practices. Her work exemplifies a commitment to cultural memory, reflecting a significant shift in creative expression. As artists and curators explore new frontiers, addressing ethical challenges remains crucial in the discourse around AI-generated art. This intersection of art and technology invites ongoing examination and innovation, as creators continue to adapt to rapidly changing tools and mediums.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

Related posts:

President Zelensky’s Upcoming Visit to Saudi Arabia and Bilateral Discussions Key Aspects of Ukraine-US Negotiations in Saudi Arabia Discussed by Zelenskyy U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia: Key Aspects and Implications Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Visits Saudi Arabia