‘Aesthetics’ differs from other notions like ‘culture’ or ‘technology’, but what do we mean by ‘aesthetics’, and what kind(s) of specific theory would be useful when attempting to analyze the aesthetics of AI images?

In this seminar we will tentatively map which aspects of specific aesthetic theory we find particularly valuable for understanding image practices related to artificial intelligence. ‘AI images’ is a broad field that covers many different concrete practices and, accordingly, the usefulness of specific aesthetic theories differs depending on the concrete AI image practice. Therefore, several different theoretical approaches may be useful. The purpose of this seminar is to discuss aesthetic theory and gain more specificity on “aesthetics of AI images”.

Programme
12.30-13.15: Informal network lunch
13.15-13.45: What does an aesthetic approach to AI images entail? (Lotte)
13.45-15.45 Specific aesthetic theory of relevance (Thomas, Maja, and MetteMarie)
15.45-16: A brief look at future activities