Digital Culture Speaker Series: Arts, Media and Engineering AI Conversation, led by Sha Xin Wei

Bio: Sha Xin Wei is a professor in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering (AME) and director of the Synthesis Center for responsive environments and improvisation, with colleagues in AME and affiliate research centers. From 2005-2013, Sha was the Canada Research chair in media arts and sciences, and associate professor of fine arts at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. From 2001 to 2013, he directed the Topological Media Lab (TML), an atelier-laboratory for the study of gesture and materiality from computational and phenomenological perspectives. He established the TML at Georgia Institute of Technology in 2001, and moved the lab to Montreal in 2005 with the support of the Canada Fund for Innovation and the CRC.

Abstract: A conversation bringing to the fore the multiple different manifestations of classical and contemporary AI approaches in art, engineering and beyond. This discussion will be led by Sha Xin Wei who will discuss historical trends, ethical implications and future possibilities. Pavan Turaga will also participate in the conversation, bringing applied perspectives rooted in collaborative projects spanning engineering, arts and science. The conversation will also include other AME faculty reflections on how they view AI as an enabler in their own work.