As we move further into a digital age, handcrafted art serves as a reminder of the value of human intuition, craftsmanship and the stories that only a human artist can tell, making it essential in preserving the authenticity of artistic expression. A Life Interrupted is an exhibition by Gary Tyler, 2024 Frieze Los Angeles Impact Prize recipient, and delves deeply into social justice, addressing the systemic inequities that permeate society. Tyler’s work is at once simple and complex. The time- honoured craft of quilting combines intricate design, personal storytelling and tactile artistry, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Through his use of mixed media, symbolic visuals and thought-provoking narratives, this exhibition serves as a catalyst for reflection and dialogue, asking fundamental questions. How do we address the legacies of injustice? What does true equality look like? And, most importantly, how can art be a vehicle for change in the pursuit of social justice? A Life Interrupted Can art set us free? The human-machine collaboration has become a transformative force in creative, scientific and industrial fields. Machines, particularly through AI and advanced algorithms, enhance human capabilities by processing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and generating ideas that can inspire new forms of creativity. Extending beyond mere tools; machines are now co-creators, assisting in art, music, design, and problem-solving. Sougwen Chung’s art installation, SPECTRAL, pushes the boundaries of art and technology and is an examination of the convergence of human creativity, AI and machine collaboration. In this groundbreaking work, Chinese Canadian artist Sougwen Chung harnesses custom robotic units intricately connected to her brainwaves through an AI- driven programme she has developed. The installation transforms her biofeedback into a dynamic canvas, utilizing an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset to measure and analyse her brain activity. This innovative process enables machines to create alternative marks, positioning Chung as a conduit for artistic expression. Through the synergy of multi-robotic kinematics and biosensors, SPECTRAL delves into states of meditation, where the biosensors become vital connections that channel diverse expressions through a unified robotic system. SPECTRAL challenges the conventional notion of drawing as a purely human endeavour, inviting us to explore the fascinating interplay between human intention and machine creativity. Not only does this artwork redefine artistic mark-making but also it inspires a deeper understanding of collaboration between humans and technology, opening new frontiers in the creative landscape. SPECTRAL How does AI and robotics transform our understanding of creativity? Images: SPECTRAL by Sougwen Chung Images: Gary Tyler Arts and Culture Programme Arts and Culture Programme Annual Meeting 2025 Annual Meeting 202522 23

Arts and Culture Programme AM25