By Hannah Cha ‘25
On Thursday, February 15, St. Mark’s welcomed Kevin Maher, an Emmy-nominated writer, filmmaker, and comedian, as a speaker of this year’s Gray Colloquium series on Artificial Intelligence and Citizenship. Maher’s keynote speech addressed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the modern art industry, aligning with this year’s gray Colloquium theme.
Maher’s speech started with a unique immersive activity among the students and faculty members to collectively define what constitutes art. People each responded differently to various forms of media by either placing their hands on their heads or hips. This session not only captivated the audience’s attention but also sparked a thought-provoking dialogue on the evolving boundaries of art in the era of artificial intelligence.
During his speech, Maher compared the use of AI in art to regifting a gift. Th metaphor suggested that the utilization of AI in art involves either a lack of understanding or a disinterest in its potential impacts, thus, questioning the authenticity and intentions behind AI-generated works. It challenged the notion of whether AI can truly capture the essence of the productive struggle inherent in traditional art forms.
Maher emphasized art as a medium for personal growth and self-expression. Whether through traditional canvas paintings or short-form videos, the journey of producing art requires dedication to one’s effort and creativity. In the context of AI-generated art, Maher reflected on how technological elements might hinder this productive struggle inherent in human-generated creations.
Kevin Maher ended the speech with a famous quote from George Orwell: “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” By quoting Orwell, Maher highlighted the importance of critical thinking in writing processes. He drew attention to the challenges faced by writers and artists in navigating the landscapes of their careers altered by the rise of artificial intelligence. The quote underscored the essential role of articulate writing in fostering independent and meaningful reflection, raising questions about the role of AI in influencing or potentially replacing certain aspects of creative thinking.
Maher’s keynote speech at the Gray Colloquium series provided a deep dive into the intersection between artificial intelligence and the art industry. His humorous, light, yet thought-provoking approach encouraged students to contemplate the applications of AI in everyday life, and how technology might have shaped our understanding of art and citizenship in modern society.