Stephanie Dinkins Discusses Intersection of AI and Art at Provost’s Spotlight Talk, Oct. 22
- Stephanie Dinkins, a renowned transdisciplinary artist, explores the intersection of AI and art, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable AI systems, particularly for communities of color, through her projects and initiatives.
- Dinkins is involved in various collaborative efforts, such as the DISCO Network, which addresses racial inequality and techno-ableism by critiquing and reimagining AI systems to account for diverse experiences and push for inclusivity.
- Her work, including participation in symposiums and projects like Bellagio Center residency, showcases the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration in reshaping AI narratives and fostering a future where technology serves humanity equitably.
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Introduction
In an era where technology and art are increasingly intertwined, the Provost’s Spotlight Talks at Stony Brook University once again showcased the intersection of these two disciplines with a special presentation by renowned transdisciplinary artist, Stephanie Dinkins. On October 22, Dinkins delved into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and art, offering insights that not only highlight the current state of this convergence but also envision a future where technology serves humanity more equitably.
The Provost's Spotlight Talks
The Provost’s Spotlight Talks are a series of events that feature distinguished visitors to the university as well as Stony Brook faculty members who have recently been recognized for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. These talks aim to foster intellectual exchange, inspire creativity, and provide a platform for thought leaders to share their groundbreaking research and innovative ideas.
Stephanie Dinkins: A Pioneer in AI and Art
Stephanie Dinkins is an award-winning transdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work often explores the intersection of technologies like AI with race, gender, and future histories. Currently, she is a professor of art at Stony Brook University, a position that underscores her commitment to both artistic expression and academic excellence.
Dinkins’s engagement with AI is not merely theoretical; it is deeply practical. Her projects aim to co-create more inclusive, fair, and ethical AI ecosystems, particularly focusing on communities of color. This approach reflects her broader mission to reorient the narrative around AI development, emphasizing the need for more diverse perspectives in this field.
The Bellagio Reflections
In 2022, Dinkins was a resident at The Bellagio Center with a project titled “Binary Calculations are Inadequate to Assess Us: Data Commons.” During her residency, she worked on an app that collects and analyzes data in a non-conventional and open way. Her focus was on formatting and collating information such as photographs or stories so that they could become useful data for both herself and others.
The Bellagio experience was pivotal for Dinkins as it brought together a diverse cohort of residents with expertise in AI and beyond. This convergence of perspectives led to fascinating discussions about how different mediums and outlets could approach similar areas of interest. The presence of scholars like Sherrilyn Ifill, who is writing a book about civil rights, added depth to the conversations. These interactions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in shaping the future of AI.
The DISCO Network
Dinkins is also part of the DISCO Network (Digital Inquiry, Speculation, Collaboration, and Optimism), a group dedicated to addressing racial inequality, histories of exclusion, disability justice, and techno-ableism. The network comprises artists, scholars, and practitioners who recognize that current AI systems often fail to account for diverse experiences. Through collaborative efforts like writing a book about AI, they aim to reorient the narrative and push for more inclusive technologies.
Critique and Innovation
One of the central themes in Dinkins’s work is the need for critical engagement with AI systems while acknowledging their potential for good. She argues that criticizing AI for its lack of inclusivity doesn’t preclude its use but rather necessitates innovative approaches to make it more equitable. For instance, using prompts like Do Anything Now (DAN) to get ChatGPT to speak in a Black vernacular authentically highlights the creative ways to overcome representational barriers.
Moreover, Dinkins emphasizes that the absence of representation can sometimes force innovative thinking and lead to progress. She advocates for a multifaceted approach where criticism is balanced with practical action. This stance is encapsulated in her statement: “The strange boon of not being represented is that it forces you to think outside the box, which creates innovation that leads to progress”.
The Future of AI in Creative Disciplines
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way artists and technologists collaborate. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) hosted a groundbreaking symposium on AI in April 2024, which brought together artists worldwide to discuss the impact of AI on creative disciplines. Dinkins participated in this symposium, highlighting her ongoing work on co-creating care-based, equitable technological ecosystems through social collaboration and human narratives.
Her projects often involve iterative processes where she builds relationships with machines and collaborates with diverse groups of people. This approach not only reflects her commitment to community engagement but also underscores the importance of public processing and collaboration in shaping digital futures. For example, her use of AI assembly gatherings, like the ones held at the Montoo Art Center in California, showcases how theory and technology can be merged in creative ways.
Conclusion
Stephanie Dinkins’s Provost’s Spotlight Talk at Stony Brook University serves as a testament to her pioneering work at the intersection of AI and art. Her dedication to creating more inclusive AI ecosystems is not only intellectually stimulating but also practically impactful. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI, Dinkins inspires both artists and technologists to work towards a future where technology serves all humanity equitably.
In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with our lives, Dinkins’s vision for AI offers hope for a more compassionate and equitable digital future. Her commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration highlights the potential for meaningful change through interdisciplinary efforts. As we continue to navigate this complex landscape of AI and art, Stephanie Dinkins stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, reminding us that even in the most advanced technologies, humanity’s essence can never be forgotten.
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