Es Devlin, renowned artist and designer, has orchestrated a unique gathering at Oxford Kilns, bringing together a diverse assembly of thought leaders—from spiritual figures to AI researchers—to delve into the intricate relationship between technology and humanity. This innovative summit, aptly named the AI and Earth conference, not only allows participants to craft pottery but also encourages profound discussions about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
A Harmonious Blend of Creativity and Technology
Set against the backdrop of the historic Oxford Kilns, the conference serves as a refreshing antidote to our increasingly screen-dominated lives. Devlin, inspired by a previous retreat experience where participants introduced themselves only by first names, has curated an environment that fosters open dialogue. “I asked the university team to invite AI practitioners with a divergent set of viewpoints,” she explains, emphasising the importance of shared experiences in bridging ideological divides.
The summit serves as a precursor to the grand unveiling of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Oxford’s most ambitious building project to date. Unlike the university’s typical exclusive spaces, this new centre invites public engagement with its galleries, cinemas, and the world’s first Passivhaus concert hall. Devlin’s collaboration with the Institute for Ethics in AI is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to explore moral philosophy in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Crafting Vessels, Shaping Conversations
During the conference, participants engage in the tactile experience of pottery-making, turning 160 million-year-old clay into symbolic vessels. As they shape their creations, they also shape their understanding of the ethical challenges posed by AI. “I felt the most appropriate place to hold the conference would be in a potters’ workshop,” Devlin remarks. “It’s an antidote to eyes in front of screens with our hands dancing over keyboards.”
The installation titled *360 Vessels*, co-created with American composer Nico Muhly, will feature these handcrafted pots at the centre’s opening festival. Arranged on circular tables beneath the striking octagonal dome, each vessel represents a unique perspective. “A vessel for every degree of difference of point of view,” Devlin states, highlighting the significance of diverse opinions in the discourse surrounding technology and ethics.
Participants engage in spirited debates, referencing iconic figures like Alan Turing and Isaac Asimov, while also addressing contemporary challenges. One potter poignantly notes that this conversation is a privilege not afforded to many around the globe, particularly those from developing nations, underscoring the disparity in access to technology and its implications.
Reflections on the Future of AI
As the day progresses, Devlin reflects on the insights shared during the discussions. One participant articulates the tension between understanding AI’s logical framework and the inherent human tendency to anthropomorphise technology. Devlin herself has long been fascinated by the language surrounding AI, drawing parallels to themes in Shoshana Zuboff’s *The Age of Surveillance Capitalism*. “I am aware that my art and my words and my every choice… is being used to train the algorithms that concentrate wealth among a small number of individuals,” she acknowledges, contemplating her responsibility as an artist in this digital age.
Her desire to “stitch [her] digital shadow back on to [her] feet and dance with it” encapsulates the broader struggle many face in reconciling the benefits of technology with its ethical ramifications.
Why it Matters
The convergence of art and technology at Es Devlin’s summit is more than a mere creative exercise; it represents a critical examination of how we interact with the tools we create. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, the discussions held in this potters’ workshop serve as a vital reminder of the importance of ethical considerations in the development of technology. By fostering a space for diverse voices and experiences, Devlin not only champions the need for dialogue but also calls for a collective responsibility in shaping a future that harmonises innovation with humanity.
