In an innovative convergence of art, ethics, and technology, acclaimed designer Es Devlin has orchestrated a unique summit at Oxford’s Kilns, where participants from diverse backgrounds gathered to explore the implications of artificial intelligence through the tactile medium of ceramics. The event, which took place as part of the AI and Earth conference, not only engaged attendees in the hands-on creation of pottery but also encouraged crucial dialogue about the ethical dimensions of AI in our society.
A Pottery Workshop Unlike Any Other
Devlin, renowned for her immersive stage designs and artistic collaborations, welcomed a diverse assembly of artists, AI researchers, spiritual leaders, and academics to this one-of-a-kind gathering. What may seem like an unconventional setting for such discussions—a pottery workshop—was, in fact, a deliberate choice. “I felt the most appropriate place to hold the conference would be in a potters’ workshop—with our hands in contact with 160-million-year-old Jurassic clay,” Devlin remarked, highlighting the need for tangible experiences in an age dominated by screens and digital distractions.
The atmosphere was charged with creativity and contemplation as participants rolled up their sleeves, kneaded the clay, and moulded their own vessels. Each creation served as a metaphorical vessel, representing the myriad perspectives on AI and its ethical implications.
Engaging with Diversity of Thought
The summit was designed with a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration. Devlin intentionally encouraged attendees to introduce themselves only by first names, fostering a sense of equality and openness. This approach was inspired by her experience at a monastic retreat, where participants—ranging from climate activists to oil executives—shared their stories and explored common ground through shared experiences.
During the workshops, discussions ranged from historical philosophical frameworks, such as Alan Turing’s pioneering concepts, to modern ethical dilemmas posed by AI. The conversations were rich and varied, touching on Isaac Asimov’s famed Three Laws of Robotics and contemporary theories like Ethan Mollick’s notion of ‘centaurs’—the synergy between humans and AI in collaborative tasks.
Yet, while the intellectual discourse unfolded, a sobering reality emerged. One potter voiced a poignant critique, noting that for many in the developing world, discussions about AI are not a luxury but a reality that they have no say in. This stark reminder of the global implications of technology provoked further reflection among attendees.
The Intersection of Art and Technology
At the heart of this summit lay not just the creation of physical vessels, but also the exploration of the digital ‘vessels’ that AI has created in our society. Devlin’s collaboration with American composer Nico Muhly, resulting in the installation “360 Vessels,” is set to be showcased at the newly inaugurated Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. The installation will feature the handmade pots and a choral performance drawing on the writings of 17th-century poet Thomas Traherne, symbolising a harmonious blend of art and ethical inquiry.
As Devlin candidly acknowledged, engaging with AI is fraught with complexity. Reflecting on her journey with large language models, she expressed her awareness of how her artistic contributions are captured and used to train algorithms that concentrate wealth and power. In a poignant closing thought, she stated her desire to “stitch my digital shadow back on to my feet and dance with it myself, and invite others to dance with it too.”
Why it Matters
The dialogue initiated by Es Devlin at this conference underscores the imperative need to consider the ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence in our rapidly evolving world. By merging art with technology and facilitating conversations that span diverse perspectives, Devlin not only creates a platform for critical thinking but also challenges us to reflect on our collective future. In a landscape increasingly governed by digital influences, grounding these discussions in tangible, shared experiences—like crafting pottery—offers a vital antidote, reminding us of our humanity amid the whirlwind of technological advancement.
