Robert Michael Smith: Islands in the Stream: Singularity Art / Sustainable Life for Post-Humanity

Robert M. Smith, a talented and insightful artist and educator, delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation, discussing his long career in digital and virtual sculpture. The talk centered on his creative journey, the intersection of technology with art, and how mathematics and sacred geometry have influenced his work since the early 1990s.

Robert began by explaining his work exhibited in the gallery, where four monitors display animations of virtual sculptures. These sculptures, many of which have been in development since 1993, showcase a combination of digital processes and creative exploration. He emphasized the use of "virtual sculpture animations" and encouraged the audience to explore more of his work on his website.

One particularly fascinating aspect of Robert’s talk was his discussion of fractals and sacred geometry—the naturally occurring mathematical patterns that can also be constructed deliberately through the use of digital tools. He referenced the long history of sacred geometry in art and how these concepts appear in nature, such as coastlines and plant life. Robert, however, expressed a nuanced perspective on the use of mathematical elements in his art. While these structures provide a foundation for his digital work, he made it clear that the human touch and creative intent are what ultimately give the art its meaning. His approach to blending the mathematical and the creative is a beautiful reflection of his ability to balance structure and imagination.

Robert also touched on his use of AI tools in his creative process, acknowledging their role in producing art faster and more efficiently. He highlighted the growing capability of AI in generating patterns and solutions, but stressed that artists still have the final say in what constitutes art. This led to an insightful commentary on how AI, though increasingly sophisticated, is a tool that artists can manipulate, but the creative intent always remains with the artist.

One of the more philosophical moments in the talk came when Robert addressed the concept of art’s impermanence in the digital age. He discussed how digital works can exist one moment and disappear the next, raising questions about the preservation and manifestation of digital art. Despite the transient nature of digital creations, Robert seemed to embrace the evolving nature of art, acknowledging both its challenges and its potential for innovation.

Finally, he spoke about the importance of collaboration and how his work with soundtracks and visuals comes together in a short period. His collaboration with musicians and other creatives adds another layer of depth to his pieces, blending sound and vision seamlessly. He discussed a specific piece that combined AI culture animations with an original soundtrack, presented publicly for the first time at the event.

Robert’s talk provided a rare and valuable insight into the evolving relationship between technology and art, especially as it pertains to digital mediums. His reflections on sacred geometry, AI, and the future of art were inspiring and opened a larger conversation about what it means to be an artist in the modern world.

We are incredibly grateful to Robert M. Smith for sharing his time, expertise, and vision with us. His contributions to the field of digital art and his willingness to explore the boundaries of what is possible with new technology are truly commendable. His talk was not only informative but also inspiring, leaving the audience with much to reflect upon regarding the future of art and creativity. Thank you, Robert, for your valuable insights and for continuing to push the boundaries of what art can be in this digital age.