“Creativity is not just human”: Sogwin Chung talks about the intersection of art, artificial intelligence, and technology

I don't see creativity as something purely human. Rather, it is the ability to adapt to certain circumstances. Creativity often occurs to the observer – we see something and interpret it as creative. In this sense, creativity is always a product of human perception. When people think of AI, they often think of generative systems like text-to-image generators because this is the most accessible form of AI. But artificial intelligence is much more complex and interesting. I see it as a set of tools that can be combined. This was very creative for me to mix these ingredients in my own way. When people find AI limiting, it's often because they're only focused on a very narrow, specific process.

How has working with AI and robotics changed your perspective on humanity, consciousness and creativity?

It's amazing how AI systems can analyze and make sense of large amounts of data. This is a way of understanding that is alien to our human thinking, and it is exciting. Each generation develops a new way of interacting with technology, creating new ways to be human.

How do you address ethical concerns arising from the use of AI in art, particularly regarding authorship and originality?

I primarily work with my own datasets and develop my own systems to ensure I act ethically. It's easy to plagiarize with these tools, but that's not my style.

Are there any artists or thinkers who have greatly influenced your approach to art and technology?

Of course my parents had a big influence on me; After all, we are all products of them. But also philosophers like Karen Barad and Yuk Hui, who write about various forms of technology that he calls “cosmic technologies.” They all challenge me to think in new ways.

Where do you see the future of art, especially with the increasing influence of artificial intelligence and machine learning?

I'm not a fan of expectations. I like to think about the return and value of craftsmanship. We are currently at a point in the history of artificial intelligence where many things seem disembodied. It's always about the balance between machine and human input. When people find their own balance with these systems, we will truly discover a new side of human creativity that we have never seen before.