In recent months, San Francisco has seen an increase in signs generated by artificial intelligence (AI) for various events, which has sparked discomfort among some residents. The author expresses a personal aversion to AI-generated visuals, contrasting them with traditional, hand-crafted designs. This sentiment was further explored during a visit to an exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art featuring Henri Matisse's work, where AI was used to enhance the visitor experience.
The exhibition included an AI-generated animation depicting Paris in 1905, which the author found to be more gimmicky than immersive. Despite this, museum-goers appeared to appreciate the AI elements. The exhibition also featured AI-generated 3D renderings of Matisse's paintings, which the author felt detracted from the original intent of the artworks.
To gain insight into the rationale behind these AI applications, the author interviewed Janet Bishop, the museum's chief curator. Bishop explained that the goal was to provide a more immersive experience reflective of early 20th-century Paris. She emphasized that the AI projects were the result of extensive human oversight and research, aiming to engage a diverse audience, particularly younger visitors. While the author remains skeptical about the tastefulness of these AI integrations, the conversation highlighted the evolving relationship between technology and traditional art.