Techart Conference

Dave Court (Artist, Australia)

■ Abstract

Dave Court discusses using AI tools in his experimental and process based artistic practice. He has a strong background in painting and public art, continually incorporating digital techniques into this practice over the past decade. In this talk he explores how these new tools and technologies have factored into his work and reflects on the medium specificity of AI generated imagery. 

The artist reflects on the challenges presented by incorporating generative tools into image making processes, and the inherent black-box nature of machine driven creation. He discusses the functions of empathy and connection through art, and the potential imperative for audiences to understand context and process behind AI-generated works. Dave looks at generative AI tools in the context of Marshall McLuhan and Walter Benjamin's ideas about technology, media literacy, and the aura of the authentic object.

He discusses practical experiments and exploration of AI through his 2022 body of work Learning Machine, which included painting, sculpture, video, interactive projection and sound installation. Court explains creating paintings using AI image generators as one part of a series of different steps and processes.

Dave highlights the importance of transparency when using AI tools and the need for open and accessible spaces for people to engage with and learn about these tools; proposing art as a unique space for exploring and understanding AI outside of commercial contexts.

■ Bio

Dave Court is a multi-disciplinary artist working in areas of painting, sculpture and installation based in Tarndanya / Adelaide, Australia. Current work includes large scale public artwork, cross media work and creation of immersive installations, all with a basis in painting.

Dave’s recent exhibitions have featured digital and physical processes of art-making, across painting, sculpture, VR, AR, AI 3D modelling and more, including the distinction of being one of the first physical and NFT exhibitions held in Australia with his 2021 exhibition House Party. 

His follow up exhibition in 2022 Learning Machine  incorporated more AI generated machine collaborations utilising Dall-E, VQ-GAN and more as a part of the painting process. 

Dave has experience with a range of different projects including operating a clothing brand, retail store, street press, and doing multiple years of festival design. As well as studio practice, he is heavily involved with public art, art direction and curation. His process driven style looks at experimentation with gesture, abstraction, and oscillation between digital and physical representations.