When I visited Tate Modern’s exhibit, “Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet,” in January, I was really captivated by the connections between the showcased works and concepts of AI and computational thinking. The exhibit highlighted the innovative ways artists utilized emerging technologies and scientific principles to create groundbreaking and interactive art from the 1950s to the early 1990s – long before the internet, and certainly AI, were commonplace.
See if you can spot all the computational thinking (yet pre-generative AI) terminology in these placards!
There were so many pieces that reflected early forms of computational thinking. For instance, paintings inspired by mathematics and the science of perception demonstrated how artists integrated algorithmic processes into their creative practice. Each room explored shared interests and collaborations among artists who were inspired by scientific ideas and technologies, drawing a parallel for me on how modern AI systems operate through collaborative networks.
Throughout the exhibit, I encountered a diverse range of ideas and technologies that paralleled the evolution of AI. Artists used electronics to shape light and sound, introducing mathematical principles and algorithms as creative partners. This approach mirrors the foundational principles of AI, where computational thinking and algorithmic processes are central to innovation. Educators can use these examples to highlight the role of algorithms and computational thinking in both art and technology.
The work of Fleischmann and Strauss on exhibit highlighted the power of collective intelligence and global networks, concepts that are fundamental to AI research and development today. Educators can emphasize the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to work together and explore diverse perspectives.
Overall, “Electric Dreams” offered a captivating look at how early innovators in electronic art embraced computational thinking and AI principles to push the boundaries of creativity and technology. The exhibit left me with a deeper appreciation for the historical connections between art, technology, and the computational innovations that shape our world today.
As an educator, I found this experience to be a valuable resource for inspiring students to explore the intersections of art, technology, and computational thinking. How can we encourage students to explore the intersection of visual art and AI?
(Oh – and I also got to see another Jackson Pollack and hang out with a friend. All in all, a very good day.)
