The Exquisite Machine

School of Machines, Making & Make-Believe presents a 5-wk online class on co-creating speculative artificial and audiovisual entities w/ML.

About this event

How can collaborative artwork and play bring us closer to machines and to each other?

/ Five-week Live* Online class begins 20. September ends 18. October

/ Every Monday, 8pm-10pm, CET

/ Small class of participants

/Tickets available through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-exquisite-machine-tickets-166169743175

Course Description

100 years ago surrealists invented the exquisite corpse game where each participant, much like a relay race, continues the action of the previous participant with a surprising reveal at the finish line. We will use this playful technique to co-create a speculative artifical and audiovisual entity, using machine learning (ML).

With each new AI and ML related paper the field is making significant advancements, while leaving a trace of shimmering examples and goodies behind, that tell tales of great futures. But, with such developments at this rate, it can be difficult to make sense of this creative ally/muse/friend, and how we can function together. Think of this program as an artistic exploration of the multiple fields that current developments touch upon, and an opportunity to weld them together into a collaborative art piece. We’ll not only learn how words, vocals and visuals can be generated but discuss why. In the end, artificial intelligence is very much designed by us, and dependant on our direct and indirect input.

In this course you will be introduced to:

*Non-technical overview of machine learning concepts for text, video and audio synthesis.

*Introduction to Playform, EBSynth, GPT-2/J (text synth), Colab and Descript tools.

*How to effectively gather and prepare image datasets for machine learning using the browser, browser extensions and Python.

*Hands-on individual and collaborative group work, building a collective online audiovisual piece.

*Critical conversations on the role of the machine in artistic work, and ethics of generative art from an AI perspective.

*Professional development for artists and creatives.

Course Outline

Week 1

In this first week, we'll take time to get to know each other. Additionally, we'll be presented with an overview of machine learning techniques, dataset collection, speculative design concepts, critical discourse, and a brief introduction to Playform.

Week 2

In week two, we'll get into a deeper discussion and review of dataset collection. We'll begin initial training in Playform, have an brief introduction to GPT-2/J, and have conversations relating to manifests/words of importance for the future.

Week 3

This week, we'll have a collective review of visuals and words created so far, with an attempt at making a beta version of the exquisite machine. We'll also have an introduction to Descript and Colab tools.

Week 4

Week four is focused on further development, making the alpha version of our exquisite machine. This week, we'll also cover an introduction to EBSynth (optional to use).

Week 5

In this final week together, we will be preparing the release candidate of the exquisite machine including presentation to the public.

Who is this course for?

This workshop is for those anyone involved in creative projects (artists, performers, architects, designers, makers, musicians, etc.) and the arts and humanities research communities that wish to begin incorporating machine learning techniques into their work or practice. This course approaches machine learning from an introductory level and we will not look deep into algorithms or programming, but instead gently stroll along the surface of what is available, and make use of what we find. Join if you’re new to the field of AI and ML, and would like to seriously kickstart your learning journey.

The classes are live?*

Classes are 'live' meaning that you can directly interact with the instructor as well as with the other participants from around the world. Classes will also be recorded for playback in case you are unable to attend for any reason. For specific questions, please email info[at]schoolofma.org

About fees

We realise we're living in uncertain times. During this time, we are offering a limited number of pay-what-you-can solidarity tickets for this online class. These are reserved for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ who would otherwise be unable to attend. We are a small organisation with no outside funding and like many, we are also in survival mode and we ask you to consider this when making your donation.

Note: Due to the fact that we are receiving way more requests for Solidarity tickets than we can accommodate, we ask that if you have already taken three that you please purchase a regular ticket in order to make them available to other people. Also, please note that we may send a follow-up email asking you to confirm your eligibility for these tickets. We are trying to make our classes accessible to as many people as possible and greatly appreciate your understanding and support.

VAT

Please Note: For tax purposes, we need to include the 19% VAT on top of ticket price.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE EU AND HAVE A VAT NUMBER— IT IS VAT ZERO! WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO HAVE AND PROVIDE THIS VAT TAX NUMBER.

In order to utilise this feature at checkout, under Registration Type & Tax Receipt Information, select Business (which as a freelancer you technically are). Then enter in your USt.ID.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch: info[at]schoolofma.org


Instructor

Jonas Johansson jonasjohansson.se/

Jonas Johansson is an anywhere based artist, rollercoaster-riding in the adventure land that is creative technology, audiovisual phenomenon and electronic arts. He has had the pleasure to explore technology and creativity, as designer and developer, at studios such as W+K Tokyo, Moment Factory, Field.io and KRAM/WEISSHAAR. He is currently lecturing at Beckmans college of design, Hyper Island, FutureGames and more, while running Nordic Audiovisual Artists, a participatory art collective focused on audiovisual excursions. Beyond code and performance, his personal work is a blend of old and new, such as the highlighted Icehotel suite Haven or AR powered silk worm and kombucha couture.

For School of Machines, Jonas has prepared an eclectic learning journey picking his favourite ML tools and techniques, while sculpting a collective art piece. Join for hands-on work and conversations, where attention is drawn to How and Why, rather than What.