Recently I have been pondering some questions related to style and AI in my mind.
How is style defined?
What does style depend on, what are the characteristics?
Can an AI algorithm be unique?
What makes an AI algorithm unique?
If the same system is trained with the same data, would it produce different results, if prompted with different questions?
Would an AI algorithm copy the style of the author / creator or “create a style” of its own?
If an algorithm is trained with Maya Angelou’s poetry, would then it create Maya Angelou’s poetry style?
What would happen if an algorithm is trained with Pablo Neruda & Maya Angelou’s poetry? Would the style of its creations be a blend between both poets?
Can a natural language processing algorithm develop its own style?
And if so, would that make it more “human”? Would human characteristics be attributed to it?
I am doing short interviews with acquaintances – most of them software engineers, trying to see beneath the surface of their digital understanding on the matters above. And whilst I receive quite binary answers with linear deductions on the “technical stuff”, some of the more provocative questions actually reveal deeper layers – converting the software engineer into a philosophical human being. And yes – style copying / replicating is one of the most common usages of AI in art today – visually satisfying and entertaining the human eye, but there should be much more to it all. That additional bit I want to explore.
Meanwhile I have also encountered this very personal and moving publication about an AI algorithm supporting a writer in putting some of the most difficult words they will ever write down.
I am absolutely amazed by the therapeutic potential of an AI technology and how it can be harnessed in the future! AI art is currently perceived primarily for entertainment, but can we not use it for educational purposes as well? To educate us how to look at the world with a new fresh pair of eyes and to educate us on how to better look at ourselves and reflect.