AI Wants to Be Your New Guide in Malta
Artist Matthew Attard has integrated artificial intelligence into an eye tracker device to gain a clearer understanding of the images carved by seafarers on various chapels in Malta over a hundred years ago.
Have you ever been mesmerized by a piece of art but felt unsure on how to interpret it? Perhaps you wished for someone to guide you through the piece on the spot. As artificial intelligence advances, it is being applied in increasingly mind-blowing ways, creating opportunities for education on various levels.
Tech Attack
At the 60th Venice Biennale, Maltese artist Matthew Attard dives further and addresses his country’s maritime legacy, blending AI technology with historical imagery. His exhibit explores ship graffiti on Maltese chapel walls from the 16th to 19th centuries, offering a unique perspective on faith, progress, and seafaring culture. Below is a glimpse of one such captivating artwork showcased at the event.
Attard followed the carved outlines of the ships’ structures and sails with his eyes, utilizing an eye-tracking tool and generative algorithms to aid the process. “This gaze was translated into data points by the technology, which were then further interpreted to generate lines or drawings,” he stated.
The maritime graffiti holds significance for societies deeply intertwined with the sea, where ships symbolize hope and resilience. Likewise, Maltese chapels have served as havens for generations. Attard stated that he wanted to explore “parallels with our current ‘blind faith’ in digital technology”.
His new insight on the carvings with the aid of his AI eye tracker device appears ghostly, with skeletal outlines, as shown in the artistic carvings in Malta. “One could argue that even the most traditional mediums, such as a pencil or a piece of charcoal, can be considered a form of drawing technology,” he stated.
Take Home Message
By embracing modern technology, artists like Matthew Attard are paving the way for a new approach to preserving our maritime heritage. They’re using digital tools to interpret and protect our cultural legacies in innovative ways, in this case the eye tracker device. In today’s art world, there’s a growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. This isn’t just about preserving history; it’s also about engaging a wider audience, especially those who are more familiar with interactive technology. It’s an exciting shift that opens up new possibilities for experiencing and understanding our past.
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