Reflections on Art and AI: Insights from Yanan Dai and Chris Held
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, it’s easy to feel either overwhelmed or over-reliant on artificial intelligence. But during our second training session with Yanan Dai and Chris Held, we were reminded of the nuance and balance that can exist between creativity and computation.
Award winning author and artist Yanan Dai brought an insightful and reflective lens to our understanding of art. She introduced the “I see / I think / I wonder” framework—an approachable yet powerful way to interpret visual work. It’s a reminder that viewing art isn’t about having the “right” answer, but rather about engaging in a personal dialogue with what we see. Yanan emphasized that art is open to interpretation, and that those interpretations are shaped by our experiences, identities, and emotions.
What stood out most was her view of AI: not as a looming replacement for artists, but as a collaborative tool—something to work alongside, rather than against. In her perspective, AI can expand the possibilities of artistic expression if we approach it with curiosity and critical thought.
In contrast, graphic designer Chris Held took us into a more futuristic and design-oriented space. He introduced us his usage of AI in 3D modeling, offering a glimpse into how artificial intelligence is already transforming fields like architecture and industrial design. His presentation felt like a step into the future—where the line between human creativity and machine efficiency becomes increasingly blurred.
Chris didn’t just showcase tools—he sparked a conversation about where we’re headed. How will AI shape our environments, our objects, our day-to-day lives? He seemed less focused on interpretation, and more on innovation, encouraging us to imagine what’s possible when design meets machine learning.
However, Chris also noted that AI was incapable of thinking by itself: rather, it had to be guided by a person.
Together, Yanan and Chris offered two lenses on AI: one rooted in reflection, the other in forward-thinking invention. One asked us to pause and question, while the other challenged us to look ahead and build.
And maybe that’s where we are now—with one foot in thoughtful interpretation and the other in bold creation. The future of art and design isn't just AI-driven; it's human-guided.
If any of this sounds interesting to you, don’t miss our AI Art Hackathon on June 28th, where Yanan and Chris will both be judges! Details and signup can be found here.
