Computer vision differs from human vision in several key ways, primarily in its struggle with environmental variability, lack of semantic understanding, and limited field of view. While humans can easily adapt to changes in lighting, perspective, and context, computer vision systems process images as raw pixel data without inherent meaning. This fundamental difference presents both challenges and opportunities for artists and designers working with computer vision technologies.
To help computers see and track objects of interest, several techniques have been developed. These include controlled lighting to create consistent illumination, background subtraction to identify moving objects, brightness thresholding to detect significant differences, frame differencing to identify motion, and object tracking to maintain focus on specific elements. These methods, as highlighted in Golan Levin’s article, provide a toolkit for novice programmers and artists to incorporate computer vision into their work, enabling the creation of interactive experiences that respond to movement, gestures, and objects in real time.
I find it interesting how artists navigate ethical considerations regarding privacy and surveillance while also leveraging these technologies to create immersive and responsive installations. Some artists use computer vision as a medium for critical commentary on surveillance culture and social issues, turning the technology’s capabilities into a subject for artistic exploration. This dual nature of computer vision in art- as both a tool and a topic- encourages artists to deeply consider the societal impact of their work.
As computer vision tools become more accessible, there’s a growing tension between the democratisation of technology and the depth of understanding required to use it effectively. While user-friendly interfaces and AI-powered tools (like DALL-E and SORA) make it easier for artists to incorporate computer vision into their work, there’s a risk of oversimplification and a potential loss of the underlying principles that drive these technologies. This evolution in the artistic landscape offers exciting new avenues for creativity but also raises questions about the role of human ingenuity and technical literacy in art creation. As the field continues to advance rapidly, artists are challenged to balance the use of cutting-edge tools with a thoughtful approach to their application, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human creativity.