Course Outline — Spring 2026

Course Information

Course Description

This course explores the intersection of contemporary visual art practice and deep generative modeling, with an emphasis on interaction, authorship, and experience design. Each week is organized around a foundational or recent research idea that has shaped (or is shaping) the way artists use AI—followed by hands-on prototyping and critique.

Students will move from image synthesis to controllable generation, then to real-time interactive systems and installation-oriented workflows, developing both technical literacy and artistic voice.

Course Format & Tools

• Format: Lecture + Discussion + Tech Demo + Studio Prototyping + Critique
• Tools: Python, PyTorch, TouchDesigner, Max, Unity, WebGL, OSC
• Expectations: Regular process logs and short artist statements accompanying work

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the conceptual vocabulary and algorithmic foundations of generative models.
2. Translate artistic intent into system design choices, implementing and fine-tuning state-of-the-art models for artistic output.
3. Design interactive systems that utilize sensor data or user input to influence generative processes.
4. Present and critique generative work using artistic and technical criteria, while analyzing ethical implications including authorship and bias.