Forbes has dedicated a series of articles on artificial intelligence (AI). One article in particular, Robots vs. Rothko by Margaret A. Boden discusses how AI has helped further the understanding of creativity (although there still is much remaining to be discovered).
Amazingly, according to the article, a computer has already generated its first US patent, has created music pieces akin to that of Mozart and artwork shown alongside Rothko in Washington DC. Although AI at this point has difficulty achieving all forms of creativity and making it meaningful, AI’s abilities will improve and we’ll gain more insight about ourselves and what makes us tick.
In other words, humans will continue creating technology in our own image, vastly changing our understanding of what makes us human. As art therapists, I believe it’s our responsibility to continue learning about the newest theories and knowledge, even if that knowledge is coming from technological sources that seem intimidating or frightening. We must then carefully consider the implication of what is learned, applying new findings to our understanding of art, creativity and psychological healing. We cannot allow ourselves to be stuck in 20th century theory or shy away from the realities of the 21st century, which should be shaping the theories of what we do when we practice art therapy with our clients or conceptualize new art therapy research.