Why are AI robots suddenly popping up more and more in the worlds of art and culture, successfully performing creative acts in front of amazed audiences? My talk will outline the rapid technical evolution that, with sensitive and agentic AI, is reaching a new peak in the current hype and trends surrounding artificial intelligence. I will look at AI from four perspectives: First, as a powerful technological tool and innovative medium that enables artistic experimentation and critical analysis. Second, as an effective assistance system that significantly surpasses human abilities and skills and is therefore much more than “just a (smart) tool.” Third, as a non-human collaborator and co-creative partner, as a more-than-human actor within a diverse ecosystem. And fourth, as a new ‘digital species’ of quasi-autonomous artists—embodied by prominent AI robots such as Ai-Da, Sophia, or Ameca—who, with their independent formal languages and directive capabilities, not only challenge traditional, human-centered notions of creativity, but are also increasingly perceived in anthropomorphized form as competitors or catalysts of creative processes.

Free admission
Event in German

Image: Prompted by Pam Scorzin at the international conference AI Venice 2025 in Venice.