A Collaboration Like No Other

Can we truly witness cognition in action? Do our minds share commonalities with artificial intelligence? These provocative questions will be explored over the next seven months by UC San Diego's own cognitive neuroscientist Ying Choon Wu and artist Rhonda Holberton, in collaboration with Ceci Moss, the Director and Chief Curator of the Mandeville Art Gallery.

Funding the Future of Symmetry

This innovative research initiative is backed by the Simons Foundation’s Open Interval Program, furthering the exploration of art-science intersections. Wu, Holberton, and Moss were selected from a competitive group for their passion for collaboration and their impressive contributions to their fields. The project, running from June to December 2025, comes with a generous $30,000 grant for each participating team.

Redefining Creativity Through Symmetry

The Open Interval Program encourages a unique thinking partnership between artists and scientists, emphasizing open-ended exploration over rigid outcomes. As Dean Cristina Della Coletta of the School of Arts and Humanities described, this project spotlights how creative ideas can illuminate the mysteries of memory, emotion, and human consciousness.

Exploring the Nexus of Art, AI, and Memory

Ying Choon Wu, who heads the Insight Lab at UC San Diego, utilizes cutting-edge techniques to probe high-order cognition at the crossroads of the mind and body. She is particularly intrigued by how people cognitively respond to art, especially during live performances. Rhonda Holberton, on the other hand, merges technology, environment, and human experience in her art, critically examining the symmetries that exist between human consciousness and AI.

A Daring New Vision of Co-Creation

The duo envisions their collaboration yielding profound insights into human-machine interaction. Wu stated, "This collaboration has the potential to expand our understanding of human-machine co-creation’s cognitive and emotional dimensions." Holberton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the project allows for timely explorations into AI's philosophical and material dimensions as they evolve.

An Immersive Artistic Installation Awaits

In addition to their research, Wu and Holberton will unveil a stunning installation called 'Omni Intelligent' at the Mandeville Art Gallery in Fall 2025. Their commissioned work aims to delve into the intricate dynamics shared between human and AI entities.

Engaging Audiences in Unique Ways

While still in development, their immersive installation promises audience interaction through EEG monitoring. Participants will recall memories associated with scents and speculate on the future, creating a fascinating juxtaposition of past and potential.

Visualizing Reflection: A Surreal Experience

The resulting cognitive states will be transformed into mesmerizing visual displays on the gallery’s expansive LED screens, designed to evoke surreal, fluid landscapes that echo the participants' memories and aspirations. Holberton passionately described their goal, "We’re creating a bridge between memory and imagination."

The Environmental Reflection of Technology

Additionally, this artwork intends to provoke thought on the environmental ramifications of AI. As Holberton pointed out, "AI is not neutral; it's intricately woven into our ecosystem and resource consumption. This work aims to illuminate that duality."

A New Frontier for Art and Science

Mandeville Art Gallery’s ambitious mission aligns perfectly with this visionary project, as it strives to shift perspectives and address the ongoing entanglements between humanity and technology. Director Ceci Moss highlighted the importance of reflecting on perception and prediction in this evolving landscape.

For nearly six decades, the gallery has stood at the forefront of innovative contemporary art at UC San Diego. More than just an art space, it serves as a teaching ground for 21st-century artistic practices that are equitable, accessible, and socially conscious. Stay tuned for more thrilling developments from the Mandeville Art Gallery!