Drawing Across x Along x Between x University Borders by DRAWinU

CONFERENCE, UNIVERSITY OF PORTO. October 16, 17, 18th, 2024 :: Drawing Across :: Along :: Between University Borders considers the epistemological and transformative potential of drawing research to connect divergent areas in the university today. The conference focuses on drawing-based collaborations between art, science and society to tackle artistic, educational and societal challenges. We invite artists, scientists, educators, students, university policymakers and persons interested in inter-transdisciplinary practices across academia, research, and society to contribute and join the discussion in three possible directions: ACROSS - In what ways are drawing practitioners challenging the disciplinary strictures that often constrain thinking and acting across divergent areas in the university? ALONG - How can drawing activities be an ally of STEM education in the university, and how can STEM practices be an ally of drawing education? BETWEEN - How can drawing-based practices and STEM disciplines collaborate to address the urgency of societal challenges?

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Drawing versus AI-generated art: The Creative Process versus Instant Results in Enhancing Creativity and Creative Thinking

Iuliana Gherghescu, The Caragiale Academy of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reshaped the landscape of artistic creation, challenging traditional modes of expression and offering new avenues for creativity. In this presentation, we delve into the dichotomy between drawing, a time-honored practice rooted in manual skill and creative intuition, and AI-generated art, characterized by algorithmic processes and instant output. By examining the interplay between these approaches, we aim to elucidate their respective roles in enhancing creativity and fostering creative thinking. The hypothesis posits that traditional drawing and its process have the potential to enhance students' creativity compared to artificial intelligence's rapid generation of images, which represents a faster process of image creation. Therefore, one of the questions raised is whether AI could hinder the creative process, while also considering whether drawing aids in improving creative thinking.

Drawing, a cornerstone of artistic expression, embodies a tradition of manual skill and creative exploration. From charcoal sketches to detailed pen-and-ink illustrations, it enables individuality, experimentation, and visual narrative. Artists engage in a sensory experience, forming intimate connections with materials and subjects. Conversely, AI-generated art utilizes machine learning to autonomously create visual content, blurring the lines between human and computational creativity. While AI offers instant gratification, its commodification in the digital sphere prompts scrutiny over its impact on thinking, attention, and creativity.

The research objectives include:
Evaluating the strengths and limitations of traditional drawing and AI-generated art to identify synergies and tensions at the intersection of tradition and technology.
Exploring the impact of drawing versus AI-generated art on creativity and creative thinking in scenographic design.
Conducting a multidimensional analysis to elucidate the benefits and drawbacks of drawing and AI-generated art methods and their implications for artistic expression and innovation.
Examining the psychological and cognitive mechanisms underlying engagement in traditional drawing versus AI-generated art activities.

Research Methodology:
To address these objectives, a comprehensive research methodology will be employed, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative methods will involve interviews and focus groups with students and designers experienced in drawing and AI technology. These qualitative insights will provide a rich understanding of the subjective experiences, motivations, and challenges associated with each method. Furthermore, quantitative measures such as surveys and experimental study will be utilized to assess factors such as creativity levels, cognitive processes, and emotional responses among participants engaged in drawing and AI-generated art tasks.

Contributions:
By delineating the unique characteristics of each approach, the research provides valuable insights for practitioners, educators, and researchers interested in leveraging technology for artistic endeavors. Moreover, the findings of this study have practical implications for curriculum development in art education and the integration of AI tools in creative industries. Through the research methodology and interdisciplinary analysis, it endeavors to shed light on the potential synergies and tensions between tradition and technology in the realm of artistic practice.

Keywords: creative thinking, AI-generated art, artistic process

Biography

Iuliana Gherghescu is a scenographer, lecturer, and recently a researcher in scenography at The Caragiale Academy of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography, in Bucharest. She holds an MFA degree in Design and Technical Production from Tulane University, as well as a Doctorate in Scenography with a thesis focusing on emerging creative influences and developments in contemporary stage and costume design. Her professional trajectory encompasses a diverse range of experiences, primarily within the realms of film and theater. However, she remains receptive to opportunities across various fields and is fervently committed to collaborating with talented, multidisciplinary teams. She is particularly interested in exploring the intersection of traditional creative methods, new media, and artificial intelligence in reshaping the landscape of scenography, and how these factors can influence evolving trends and aesthetics.

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DRAWinU - Drawing Across x Along x Between x University Borders - 2024