The question “Which artworks did we forget to create?”touches on the idea that there may be countless artworks that have not yet been imagined by humans, waiting to be discovered in the “white spaces” of our collective knowledge and understanding.
In his book “The Inevitable,” Kevin Kelly talks about the potential of artificial intelligence to bring together all of humanity’s knowledge and to reveal the “white spaces” where we have not yet gained understanding. This idea can also be applied to the world of art, where computers may have the ability to help us see all the artworks that have not yet been created by humans and to explore themes, subjects, and styles that have completely escaped the gaze of artists.
One way that computers can help to uncover which artworks did we forget to create or these “white spaces” in the world of art is through the use of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data about existing artworks and identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately obvious to human observers. This could allow computers to suggest new subjects or styles that have not yet been explored by artists, or to highlight themes and motifs that have been overlooked in the past.
It is difficult to say with certainty which themes, subjects, and styles of art are overused or underused, as this can vary depending on cultural context and the preferences of individual artists and audiences. That being said, some subjects that may be considered overused in the world of art like landscapes, portraits, still lifes, or abstract geometric shapes and on the other hand, some themes that may be considered underused or underrepresented could include disabilities and chronic illness, mental health, environmentalism and climate change.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples, and the popularity and prevalence of different themes, subjects, and styles of art can vary widely. What is considered overused or underused may also change over time as artistic tastes and trends evolve.
One interesting idea is to use computers to finish unfinished artworks. For example, computers could be programmed to analyze the sketches and unfinished works of old masters and use this information to create fully realized paintings based on their original vision.
Similarly, computers could be used to imagine artworks from lost cultures or civilizations that have no surviving artwork of their own. By analyzing historical records and artifacts, computers could potentially create paintings or sculptures that give us a glimpse into the artistic traditions of these cultures.
In addition to using machine learning algorithms, computers could also be used to generate artworks themselves, using algorithms that are designed to mimic the styles and techniques of human artists. While some people may argue that computers cannot truly be considered artists because they lack the capacity for self-expression and emotion, it is worth considering the possibility that computers could help us to discover new forms of artistic expression that we have not yet imagined.
Ultimately, the role of computers in the world of art is still an open question, and it is likely to continue to be a topic of debate for many years to come. However, by embracing the potential of AI and machine learning to find out which artworks did we forget to create, we may be able to gain new insights and perspectives that can help to enrich and expand the boundaries of artistic expression.