The realm of artificial intelligence can often seem like a dystopian chess match; human versus machine, jockeying for supremacy. Synthetic intelligence’s sci-fi portrayal, such as Skynet of the Terminator franchise, only exacerbates this perception. However, there is a growing school of thought where artificial intelligence is not viewed as an opponent, but as a partner in heightening human creativity and thinking.
In this evolving landscape, we find innovators like Sari Azout charting a course. As the founder of Sublime, a hub for curation, creativity, and ideas, Azout’s vision is flavored heavily with nuance and originality. Intriguingly, artificial intelligence forms the backbone of her venture. A fact that might take any connoisseur of refined taste like herself by surprise. Still, for Azout, in the grand scheme of her vision, it is perfectly logical.
Artificial intelligence is steeped in notions of objectivity, calculations and hard data. The question then arises, how does it lend itself to a platform like Sublime which thrives on the subjective, the aesthetic, and the imaginative? It’s all about synergy. According to Azout’s line of thinking, as a tool, AI can be wielded to enhance human creativity rather than supplant it.
AI then, in the context of Sublime, isn’t set up to be a master curator or taste-maker but a facilitator. By taking care of some of the more logistical elements involved in art curation, for instance, it allows the humans whose tastes are being catered to, more freedom to explore, create, and sink into the art itself. Azout thoroughly realizes that taste cannot be programmed, but it can be channeled appropriately.
In truth, Azout’s approach to integrating AI into her platform is bold and forward-thinking. In a world where there’s often apprehension about the encroaching dominance of AI, the concept of coexisting and collaborating with artificial intelligence presents a refreshing perspective. This idea isn’t just revolutionary; it’s necessary as we navigate the overlap of technology and creative fields.
It’s interesting to watch how artificial intelligence is being harnessed to buttress rather than inhibit human creativity. At the end of the day, the machines we fear might outdo us could be the very tools that take our capacities to new heights. Perhaps the future will not be a battleground, but a playground where AI and human creativity co-dance, making the impossible possible.
To learn more about how Sari Azout harnesses artificial intelligence to augment curations at her platform, Sublime, read the full story at The Verge.