In the realm of the arts, where creativity and innovation intertwine, a captivating tale unfolds, challenging the boundaries of technology and human expression. The story revolves around Adam Kelly, an artist with a unique connection to dragons, and his journey of exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in his creative process. This narrative delves into the impact of AI on the creative industry, particularly for neurodiverse individuals, and the quest to preserve the essence of human creativity in an era of rapid technological advancement.
The Dragon's Tale
Adam Kelly, an autistic gentleman and performer, has found solace and inspiration in dragons since his childhood encounter with the iconic creature in the animated film Shrek. Dragons, in his eyes, serve as a metaphor for understanding human behavior and the complexities of human interactions. Kelly's passion for dragons has led him to create an extensive collection of dragon drawings and stories, each a deep meditation on the reasons behind human actions. However, the question arises: can AI assist in completing these unfinished works?
The play, Dragon I, is a collaborative effort between Kelly, director James Berlyn, co-performer Jade Del Borrello, and visual artist Ben Hollingsworth. It explores the idea of using AI to complete Kelly's dragon-related projects, but with a twist. The project, known as the Neuro Bureau, is a collective of neurodiverse individuals, including Kelly, Del Borrello, and Berlyn, who are concerned about the representation of neurodiverse perspectives in AI development. They believe that AI, built on ableist ideas, often fails to capture the diverse range of human experiences.
The AI Dilemma
Del Borrello, who plays the AI in the play, expresses her skepticism about the technology's value. She views generative AI as a deceptive tool that has spiraled out of control, promoting a lack of critical thinking. The team's initial experiment with an AI tool on stage in real time did not support Kelly's performance and yielded banal results. This experience highlights the environmental and social concerns surrounding AI, as well as its potential to stifle creativity.
The play, a 60-minute lecture, slideshow, and fever dream, showcases Kelly's work being altered by the AI in ways he never agreed to. It is a highly interactive and inclusive production, featuring an Auslan interpreter and pencils and paper for audience members to draw their own dragons. The team's goal is to celebrate the creation of art and experiences, rather than relying on AI as a tool.
The Human Touch
The success of Dragon I at the Perth Festival has been a thrilling experience for the team. Berlyn and Kelly are now hoping to continue touring the show, much like Kelly's first solo show, Arco. Kelly's excitement and anxiety, fueled by the support of his awesome-sauce team, demonstrate the power of human connection and creativity. His ability to perform better in front of an audience than during rehearsals highlights the energy and inspiration that live performances bring.
In conclusion, Dragon I is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between AI and human creativity. It raises questions about the role of neurodiverse perspectives in AI development and the importance of preserving the human touch in art. As AI continues to evolve, the play serves as a reminder of the unique value that human imagination and expression bring to the creative industry.
