During Rebecca Xu’s AI in Creative Practice course, students combine hands-on experiences with AI tools, thinking critically about the creative and ethical implications of using AI. This work was produced by student Adam Hazem.
Artists have always embraced new technologies to push the boundaries of their creations—balancing imagination and authenticity with innovation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no different, says Rebecca Xu, professor of computer art and animation in the Department of Film and Media Arts in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Xu’s research explores how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can enhance the creative process for such art forms as artistic data visualization, visual music, digital performance and interactive installations.
Over the years, Xu has conducted experiments with generative programming and AI, and her animated work “Péripéties: Fragile Sovereignties” has been featured in national and international exhibitions, including the upcoming International Joint Conference on AI in Montreal.
While some in the creative fields are reluctant to embrace AI, Xu says the sooner artists learn to work with and adapt to AI, the sooner they will benefit.
“It’s another tool we can use with our creative practices. I’m exploring ways to integrate it into my own,” says Xu, who has taught undergraduate and graduate-level classes on using AI in the creative process.
“A lot of students fear AI, but I want to teach my students how to use AI to their advantage.”