In the dim glow of a studio, artist Sougwen Chung gazes at her robotic collaborator, Doug, a painting arm powered by artificial intelligence, with a mix of affection and frustration. Doug, short for Drawing Operations Unit, Generation Four, is more than just a machine to Chung; it’s a partner in her performance-based artworks, where human and machine engage in a harmonious, improvised dance on large canvases.
In pre-pandemic times, Chung led live AI-assisted painting performances in front of audiences, capturing the essence of human-machine partnership. With COVID-19’s arrival, she adapted, streaming her collaborations from her studio into exhibit spaces. Chung’s work transcends the typical realm of AI art, focusing on a human-machine connection and exploring the interplay of gestures and emotions.
Chung’s robots, like Doug, are more than mere tools. They respond spontaneously to her brushstrokes, creating a unique feedback loop of shared knowledge and movement cues. These AI collaborators don’t replicate human creativity; instead, they interpret, expand, and respond, generating a co-authored, communal creation. Chung’s work challenges prevailing notions of AI, rejecting the idea of machines as mere executors of code. For her, they are partners in a dynamic, evolving artistic process.
Through her exploratory performances, Chung delves into the unexpected, embracing the uncertainties of this collaboration. Her vision extends beyond the canvas; she hopes to involve the public in her process, inviting them to draw alongside her robots. For Chung, technology isn’t a foe but a source of inspiration, paving the way for future art practices that unite humanity and smart machines in a captivating dance of creativity.