The Inspiration Machine: Computational Creativity in Poetry and Jazz

The Inspiration Machine explores the transformative potentials of digital technology and artificial intelligence for creative practice, through three ethnographic cases of jazz musicians and poets. Artists delegate agentive control and artistic decision-making to algorithms to find inspiration, but their solutions remain rooted in social predicaments and human shortfalls. Experiments in the digital hold an important lesson: computational solutions to the insufficiencies of human practice are best developed in relation to social and cultural contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The Inspiration Machine delves into the intricate interplay between creative digital technologies and artificial intelligence, shedding light on their profound impact on culture and society. Through three ethnographic cases, the book explores how artists harness these tools to push the boundaries of their creativity, challenging the limitations imposed by human capabilities.

In the first case, jazz musicians collaborate with digital technology to create new sounds and compositions, delegating certain aspects of their artistic decision-making to algorithms. The resulting music is a fusion of human improvisation and computational precision, blurring the lines between traditional and modern musical genres.

The second case involves a group of poets who use digital tools to experiment with language and form, generating poetry that is both visually stunning and conceptually rich. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, they explore new ways of expressing themselves and engaging with their audience.

However, the book also highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the use of digital technology in art. While it offers new possibilities for creativity, it also raises questions about the loss of human touch and the potential for automation to replace human artistic expression.

Ultimately, The Inspiration Machine argues that the integration of creative digital technologies and artificial intelligence can lead to a new era of artistic innovation and expression. By approaching these tools as creative partners, artists can expand their own creative horizons and create works that are both deeply personal and socially relevant. However, it is essential to approach these technologies with a critical eye and to ensure that they are developed in a way that respects the values and traditions of artistic practice.

In conclusion, The Inspiration Machine is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the transformative power of creative digital technologies and artificial intelligence. By examining the ways in which these tools are embedded in culture and society, the book offers valuable insights into the future of art and creativity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226828336