The Intersect of Tech and Art

Juergen Berkessel

Curious about how technology and art collide, spark, and sometimes totally confuse each other? The Intersect of Tech and Art is your backstage pass to the wild, weird, and wonderful world where digital innovation meets creative expression. Created by Juergen Berkessel—a lifelong artist, technologist, and enthusiast for all things experimental—this podcast is for anyone who loves art, design, tech, or just a good story about the creative process. Whether you’re a digital artist, designer, tech enthusiast, or simply fascinated by how artificial intelligence, digital tools, and new technologies are shaking up the arts, you’ll find real-world insights and plenty of inspiration here. Each week, The Intersect dives into everything from digital art and AI in art to creative technology, design trends, and the latest breakthroughs in art technology. Expect lively features about artists and innovators, hands-on explorations of AI creativity, algorithmic art, and musings on how blockchain, augmented reality, and digital culture are transforming the art community. Episodes are packed with honest conversations, practical examples, and a healthy dose of friendly curiosity—plus a few laughs along the way. What sets The Intersect apart? It’s guided by Juergen’s unique perspective as someone who’s been both a practicing artist and a digital strategist since the days when floppy disks were still cool. The show was born out of the same curiosity and tension that drives the art-tech world: how do we balance human creativity with the possibilities (and pitfalls) of technology? That’s what keeps our community of artists, technologists, and innovators coming back—and keeps our newsletter subscriber numbers growing strong (with almost nobody unsubscribing, which is practically a miracle). Episodes run 20–30 minutes and drop weekly, making The Intersect a perfect listen for your coffee break, commute, or creative session. You’ll hear a mix of in-depth interviews, solo commentary, and the occasional panel-style discussion—always with a light, friendly tone that makes even the most complex tech trends feel accessible. A little transparency: this podcast is produced with the help of AI voice technology and synthetic voice tools. Why? Because frankly, the only way to bring this carefully researched, lovingly curated content from the newsletter to your ears each week is by experimenting with the very tools we talk about. Every episode is crafted, written, and reviewed by Juergen and a human team—AI is just our sidekick, not the boss. We see this as part of the ongoing conversation (and sometimes the tension) at the heart of art and tech today. Ready to join the fun, learn something new, and be part of a growing community at the intersect of art, design, and technology? Subscribe now to The Intersect of Tech and Art and don’t miss a single episode. For all the latest and to explore the full archive, visit theintersect.art.

  1. When Everything Works Too Well

    2D AGO

    When Everything Works Too Well

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Intersect, hosts Chelsea and Georgia dive deep into Issue #72 of The Intersect newsletter, exploring the paradox of hyper-efficiency in creative systems. When technology becomes too seamless and systems work too well, what essential human elements might we lose? From BAFTA's new 'human creativity' awards to the emergence of 'visual elevator music' from AI experiments, this episode examines the delicate balance between technological innovation and authentic human expression. Episode HighlightsBAFTA's Human Achievement Awards: The film academy introduces 'human achievement' as a guiding principle, explicitly banning AI-generated avatars from acting honors while acknowledging AI's growing role in production.Truth in Photography Reimagined: Exploring how the inability to distinguish real photos from AI-generated ones might be an opportunity to rethink visual storytelling rather than a crisis of authenticity.Visual Elevator Music: Researchers create an endless loop between text-to-image and image-to-text AI systems, resulting in pleasant but utterly generic visual content that reveals what AI preserves without human intervention.The Recursive Aesthetic Paradox: How AI feeding on its own output leads to 'model collapse' and design homogenization, making human imperfections increasingly valuable.The Color Blue's Non-Existence: Maria Popova's exploration of how blue exists only through absence, challenging our assumptions about perception and reality.Cosmos Exhibition: Artists merge technical processes with creative vision at Bristol's Royal West of England Academy, featuring 18-month sun exposures and recycled solar panels fused with Neolithic imagery.Berlinale's Political Controversy: Wim Wenders' comments about artists staying out of politics spark major backlash, revealing deeper questions about cultural institutions' independence when funded by government and corporate sponsors. Key TakeawaysThe episode challenges listeners to reconsider what happens when efficiency becomes the enemy of authenticity. As Juergen notes in the newsletter, we're at a moment where baseline assumptions about creative work are shifting beneath our feet. The conversation explores whether predictable mediocrity might actually be the less frightening outcome of AI development, and whether genuine political independence is possible for publicly-funded cultural institutions. About The IntersectThe Intersect is a weekly newsletter and podcast exploring the convergence of art and technology. From analog processes to generative design, sound synthesis to interactive installations, we provide nuanced analysis that doesn't take sides. Our goal is to help creative professionals and technologists understand how technology shapes artistic practice and how creativity informs technological progress. Connect With UsSubscribe to The Intersect newsletter at theintersect.art for weekly insights into the evolving relationship between art and technology. Join our community of creators, technologists, and thinkers who are navigating this fascinating intersection.

    21 min
  2. Banned, Withdrawn, and Refused: The Art We Don't See Shapes Everything

    JAN 27

    Banned, Withdrawn, and Refused: The Art We Don't See Shapes Everything

    In this powerful episode of The Intersect, Chelsea and Georgia explore how the art we don't see—the banned, withdrawn, and refused—shapes our cultural narrative. From Amy Sherald's bold withdrawal of her entire exhibition to protect a single trans-affirming painting, to Comic-Con's dramatic 24-hour reversal on AI art policy, we examine the forces that determine what art reaches the public eye. 00:00:45 Exploring Banned Art and Its Impact00:02:43 The Intersection of Art and Technology00:06:31 Juergen’s Personal Journey00:10:25 The Techno-Sublime and Its Significance00:12:08 The Power of Human-Centric Design00:13:41 Amy Sherald’s Bold Statement00:14:38 Cultural Reflections from Greenland00:16:24 Future Predictions for Art Episode HighlightsAfrican Weaving Meets Technology: Discover how traditional African weaving reveals its inherent computational logic through projects like Nosukaay and Woven in Wa, showing that technology is finally catching up to craft, not the other way around.Amy Sherald's Stand: Learn why the acclaimed artist withdrew her entire "American Sublime" exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery rather than allow the removal of 'Trans Forming Liberty,' a powerful portrait reimagining the Statue of Liberty as a trans model.Comic-Con's AI Art Ban: Explore the rapid policy reversal at San Diego Comic-Con, where artist backlash led to a complete prohibition on AI art within 24 hours, reflecting broader industry tensions about creative authenticity.Juergen's Photography Evolution: Follow the personal journey from special effects photography in the 1980s to AI art today, illustrating how technological disruption repeatedly reshapes creative careers.Greenland's TikTok Resistance: Examine how young Greenlanders use satirical "fentanyl fold" videos to critique American cultural imperialism, turning our own imagery into powerful political commentary.Trevor Paglen's Techno Sublime: Understand how Paglen's two-decade project of photographing the invisible—from secret military bases to surveillance systems—reveals the blind spots in our technological age.The Human-Centric Design Myth: Unpack how "human-centered" design often masks extraction-focused systems, creating what Juergen calls "experience greenwashing."Hans Ulrich Obrist's 2026 Predictions: Consider the Serpentine Galleries director's vision for art's future, including AI as coordination tool, long-duration projects, and the surprising power of exhibitions that make strangers talk to each other. Key TakeawaysThis episode reveals how...

    19 min
  3. Help Me, Don't Replace Me: AI's Role in Art and Music

    JAN 20

    Help Me, Don't Replace Me: AI's Role in Art and Music

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Intersect, Chelsea and Georgia explore the delicate balance between AI as a helpful tool and its potential to replace human creativity. From Bandcamp's groundbreaking ban on AI-generated music to the digital reconstruction of a 17th-century masterpiece, we examine where to draw the line between assistance and abdication. Episode HighlightsBandcamp's AI Ban: The first major music platform to prohibit AI-generated content and scraping for AI training dataDigital Art Restoration: How the Kunsthistorisches Museum used AI to reconstruct 40cm of a lost Michaelina Wautier paintingApple's Multi-Spectral Cameras: Exploring photography beyond visible light and what it means for the future of image captureNFT Market Collapse: The cancellation of NFT Paris and what it signals about digital art's futureThe Weight of Meaning: Dilek Yalçın's essay on how artists are responding to AI's endless generation with intentional meaningArt as Protest: A student's arrest for eating AI art raises questions about performance and protestBrazil's FILE Festival: Call for entries exploring "contemporary technological poetics"AI Authentication Debate: Can AI truly authenticate Old Masters, or does it miss the subjective nature of art expertise? Key TakeawaysThis episode examines the nuanced relationship between human creativity and AI assistance. Through real-world examples, we explore how artists and technologists are navigating this new landscape, from platform policies to physical protests. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining human agency while leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement. About The IntersectThe Intersect newsletter provides weekly analysis of technology's impact on artistic practice and creativity's role in technological progress. We cover the full spectrum of art and tech convergence, from analog methods to digital fabrication, generative design, and interactive installations. Connect With UsSubscribe to The Intersect newsletter at theintersect.art for weekly insights into the intersection of art and technology. Join our community of professionals working at the creative-tech frontier. Support The ShowIf you find value in our exploration of art and technology, consider supporting The Intersect at theintersect.art. Your support helps us continue bringing nuanced analysis and thoughtful perspectives to this rapidly evolving field.

    19 min
  4. The Science of Wonder: Art's Impact on Health and Urban Transformation

    JAN 13

    The Science of Wonder: Art's Impact on Health and Urban Transformation

    In this episode of The Intersect, hosts Chelsea and Georgia explore Issue No. 69 of The Intersect newsletter, diving deep into the fascinating connections between art and technology. From cities transforming streets into permanent pedestrian zones to groundbreaking research on art's health benefits, this episode examines how creative expression and technological innovation continue to shape each other. Episode HighlightsUrban Transformation: Six U.S. cities including Houston and San Francisco are permanently converting streets into pedestrian zones by 2026, creating new opportunities for public art appreciation and community engagement.The Science of Art and Health: Research from University College London reveals that viewing original artwork reduces cortisol levels by 22%, compared to just 8% for reproductions, though the full museum experience may be the real catalyst.Public Space Governance: Innovative models from Paris and New York, including "Adoptez un banc" and "The Common Corner" project, demonstrate new ways communities can manage creative expression in public spaces.Roy Lichtenstein's Legacy and AI Art: The parallels between Pop Art's controversial rise and today's AI-generated art debate, exploring what defines legitimate artistic expression.Museum Evolution: How museums struggle with true engagement in the digital age, and why visitors are creating their own AI-powered interpretive experiences.Brian Dettmer's Book Sculptures: The transformation of obsolete encyclopedias into intricate art objects, revealing hidden beauty in outdated technology.Norman Rockwell's Cultural Debate: The unexpected controversy surrounding Rockwell's legacy and what it reveals about American identity. Key TakeawaysThe episode emphasizes how art and technology strengthen each other when they truly communicate. Technologists build more human-centered products when they understand artistic principles, while artists expand their creative possibilities through technical literacy. The conversation highlights the importance of moving beyond surface-level integration to create meaningful dialogue between these two fields. About The IntersectThe Intersect newsletter provides weekly analysis, case studies, and perspectives from practitioners working at the intersection of art and technology. From traditional analog techniques to digital fabrication, generative design, and sound synthesis, the newsletter offers nuanced insights without the hype. Subscribe and ConnectTo receive The Intersect newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments in art and technology, subscribe at theintersect.art. Join the conversation about how creativity and innovation continue to shape our world.

    22 min
  5. Who Gets to Hold the Pen? Creative Control in the Age of AI

    JAN 6

    Who Gets to Hold the Pen? Creative Control in the Age of AI

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Intersect of Art and Tech, hosts Chelsea and Georgia explore the fundamental question: "Who Gets to Hold the Pen?" As technology increasingly shapes artistic expression, they examine who truly controls the creative narrative in our digital age. 00:01:05 Bridging Art and Urban Planning00:03:54 The Role of Artists in Tech00:04:38 Innovations in Camera Technology00:06:50 Improv Meets AI00:08:56 The Impact of Human Imperfection00:12:26 The Shift Toward Authenticity00:14:53 The Liability of Generic Design00:16:51 Improvisation and Creativity00:18:51 The Future of Museums Episode HighlightsComing Together Exhibition: Discover how the National Building Museum's participatory urban planning exhibition blurs the lines between art, design, and civic engagement, featuring examples from over 60 U.S. cities reimagining their post-pandemic downtowns.Revolutionary Camera Technology: Learn about Carnegie Mellon's experimental camera with spatially-varying autofocus that can focus on everything simultaneously, and why photographers might not actually want this innovation.Improv Artists in Silicon Valley: Explore the surprising trend of Bay Area improv performers teaching essential human skills like adaptability and creative collaboration to tech companies.The Battle of Digital Frames: Compare LG's new Gallery TV with Samsung's The Frame and traditional e-ink displays, examining what makes a true digital art display.Human Imperfection as Design Trend: Understand why designers are deliberately embracing flaws, torn edges, and asymmetry as a rebellion against AI's relentless perfection.The Death of Generic Design: Learn why playing it safe with neutral, polished visuals has become a liability in 2026, and how taste and specificity create distinction.The Neuroscience of Improvisation: Discover what brain scans reveal about jazz pianists in flow states and how creativity emerges when we stop overthinking.Museums Everywhere: Imagine Mark Walhimer's vision of distributed museum intelligence, where pointing your phone at a leaf connects you to botanical collections and art history. Key TakeawaysThis episode reveals how the intersection of art and technology isn't just about tools and techniques—it's about fundamental questions of authorship, authenticity, and human agency. As AI makes technical perfection trivially easy, human imperfection becomes our signature. As algorithms generate flawless imagery, the wobble in a hand-drawn line proves human authorship. The conversation highlights how artists who understand technology expand their creative possibilities, while technologists who grasp creative thinking build more human-centered products. About The Intersect NewsletterThe Intersect newsletter provides nuanced analysis of how computational tools shape creative work, offering practical insights for professionals navigating this dynamic landscape. From analog methods to interactive installations, we cover the full spectrum of tech-art convergence without polarization. Subscribe to The Intersect newsletter at theintersect.art for continued analysis, case studies, and perspectives from the intersection of art and technology.

    22 min
  6. Beyond the First 'Wow': Trust in the Age of Algorithmic Art

    12/30/2025

    Beyond the First 'Wow': Trust in the Age of Algorithmic Art

    In this episode of The Intersect, Chelsea and Georgia explore what makes creative work trustworthy when algorithms can instantly generate compelling images. They examine how artists and institutions are responding to this fundamental shift in creative value. Episode HighlightsNOT REAL ART's Year in Review: Editor Morgan Laurens reframes 2025 through resilience rather than pity, highlighting how artists continue producing meaningful work despite funding cuts and industry challengesArs Electronica 2025: Artists transform from cultural commentators to essential navigators through collective uncertainty, guiding society through geopolitical, technological, and ecological upheavalsBradford's City of Culture Impact: £51 million investment yields 3 million attendees and lasting educational legacy, with creative course applications surging at Bradford CollegeMarco Brambilla's 'After Utopia': AI-powered reimagining of World's Fair archives questions whether we're steering technological progress or merely passengers along for the rideBeeple's 'Diffuse Control' at LACMA: Interactive installation has visitors collaborate with AI to transform German Expressionist woodcuts, raising questions about algorithmic interpretation versus human intentPhotography's Identity Crisis: Marco Savarese argues AI challenges photography's fundamental nature, replacing confrontation with reality with automated simulationThe 'Not By AI' Movement: Human-made design commands 60% premium as authenticity becomes the primary differentiator between trustworthy creative work and synthetic contentAdobe's 2026 Creative Trends: Emphasis on emotion and authenticity as key differentiators in an increasingly automated creative landscape Key ThemesThe episode centers on the question: when the initial "wow" factor becomes trivially easy to achieve through AI, what creates lasting value in creative work? The discussion reveals how artists are finding new roles as guides through uncertainty, while the creative industry grapples with proving authenticity in a world of endless synthetic possibilities. Notable Quotes"Digital artists now are fighting the exact same legitimacy battles that photographers faced a century ago." - On the historical context of technological disruption in art "When AI starts making the decisions about what to improve, or remove, or even add to an image, we're really not working with reality anymore. It's a simulation." - Marco Savarese on photography's fundamental challenge Personal ReflectionsJuergen shares his retreat to analog tools—acoustic guitar, pencil sketches, charcoal drawings—as a luxury compared to young artists in conflict zones still producing incredible work under impossible conditions. He reflects on a poem about dogs walking naked into uncertainty, trusting completely in their bonds, wondering if artists avoiding political commentary seek similar presence and gratitude. The Bigger PictureThe episode reveals a cultural shift where authenticity isn't just marketing language but the primary way audiences distinguish trustworthy creative work from synthetic content. Yet as everyone claims authenticity as their differentiator, the question becomes whether it's a genuine creative philosophy or the industry's latest security blanket. Subscribe to The IntersectFor weekly analysis of how technology shapes artistic practice and creativity informs technological development, subscribe at theintersect.art. Get case studies, perspectives from practitioners, and nuanced exploration of the full spectrum of tech-art convergence—from analog techniques to digital fabrication, generative...

    21 min
  7. Creative Practice in 2025: Mapping the Terrain

    12/23/2025

    Creative Practice in 2025: Mapping the Terrain

    Explore the dynamic intersection of art and technology in 2025, where AI is redefining creative practices and challenging traditional norms. From musicians embracing AI tools to the unexpected banning of a font, this episode dives into the evolving landscape of artistic expression and the ethical considerations that come with it. 00:00:58 AI's Role in Music00:02:31 Technology and Art's Connection00:03:43 Adobe's Firefly Update00:05:52 Digital Folk Art00:07:52 Copyright and AI00:08:53 Museums and AI Trustworthiness00:10:16 The Craft of Dioramas00:11:33 The Font Ban Controversy00:12:51 Adobe's AI Ethics Initiative Episode HighlightsAI's Role in Music: Discover how 87% of musicians globally are integrating AI into their creative workflows, reshaping the music industry from production to promotionAdobe's Firefly Update: Learn about Adobe's latest text-prompt video editing tools that serve as powerful assistants for filmmakers, refining existing footage rather than creating from scratchDigital Folk Art: Explore Louis Bury's concept of "digital folk art" and how niche online communities are redefining traditional notions of folk artistry through memes and viral contentCopyright and AI: Delve into the U.S. Copyright Office's ruling on AI-generated works, emphasizing the importance of human input in creative processesMuseums and AI Trustworthiness: Question the role of museums as "trustworthy spaces for knowledge dissemination" in an era where AI challenges traditional cultural normsThe Craft of Dioramas: Marvel at Caroline Dewison's intricate miniature dioramas, sparking discussions on the perception of AI versus human craftsmanshipThe Font Ban Controversy: Examine the peculiar case of Marco Rubio's Calibri font ban at the State Department, highlighting the intersection of politics, professionalism, and designAdobe's AI Ethics Initiative: Discover Adobe's commitment to transparency through their Content Authenticity Initiative, empowering creators with clear information about AI-generated content Key TakeawaysThis episode examines the actual terrain of creative practice in 2025, revealing how artists and technologists are navigating the complex relationship between traditional craftsmanship and emerging AI tools. From the LANDR survey showing widespread AI adoption among musicians to the provocative question of whether museums should prioritize truth over experience, we explore the nuanced ways technology is reshaping creative expression. About The IntersectThe Intersect explores the reciprocal relationship between art and technology, providing clear, nuanced analysis of how these fields shape each other. From analog methods to digital fabrication, generative design to sound synthesis, we cover the full spectrum of creative technology without taking sides. Connect With UsSubscribe to The Intersect newsletter for weekly insights and analysis at theintersect.art Follow us on social media: Instagram | Threads | BlueSky | Substack | Facebook | a href="https://x.com/polymash" rel="noopener...

    15 min
  8. Children of the Algorithm: When Kids Consume Creativity Instead of Creating It

    12/16/2025

    Children of the Algorithm: When Kids Consume Creativity Instead of Creating It

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Intersect, Chelsea and Georgia explore what happens when children become consumers of algorithmic creativity rather than creators themselves. From Dave Stewart's controversial AI licensing platform to Jordan Porter-Woodruff's powerful exhibition on childhood imagination, we examine how technology is reshaping the creative landscape. 00:01:18 Dave Stewart and AI Licensing00:03:30 The Importance of Art and Technology00:05:32 Endless Scrolling and Its Consequences00:08:01 Childhood Creativity and Consumption00:10:52 The Current State of Illustrators00:14:07 AI Design Tools and Small Businesses00:15:19 Robot Dogs at Art Basel00:17:27 Sustainability in Design00:19:46 Art as Political Commentary Episode HighlightsDave Stewart's 'Rare' Platform - The Eurythmics legend launches a controversial platform for musicians to license their work to AI companies, sparking debate about artistic ownership and the future of musicThe Endless Scroll - panGenerator's 'Infinity' installation forces us to confront our digital habits by making visitors kneel before a digital altar and scroll through meaningless symbolsChildhood Creativity at Risk - Jordan Porter-Woodruff's exhibition examines how algorithms are turning children into spectators of imagination rather than creators of itIllustrators Fight Back - Despite AI anxiety, many illustrators are thriving by emphasizing handcrafted, human-made work that connects with audiencesAI Design Revolution - Small businesses gain access to professional branding tools with 700-1600% surge in AI design tool searches since 2022Beeple's Robot Dogs - $100,000 robot dogs with billionaire heads at Art Basel Miami blur the lines between critique and participationSustainable Innovation - Patricia Urquiola's textile installation combines AI, motion sensors, and sustainable materials like orange-based leather alternativesArt as Politics - ARTnews argues all art in 2025 is inherently political, raising questions about meaning beyond political engagement Key Quotes"When creativity is outsourced to algorithms, children risk becoming consumers of novelty rather than creators of it, spectators to a simulation of imagination that demands nothing of their own." - Jordan Porter-Woodruff exhibition "I hate to be that guy, but I've never been busier in my career. The big change I made was to react against AI rather than adopt it." - Paul Ryding, Illustrator About The IntersectThe Intersect explores the convergence of art and technology, providing nuanced analysis for creative professionals and technologists. We examine how computational tools shape creative work and how artistic practices inform technological development. Subscribe & ConnectGet weekly insights at the intersection of art and tech by subscribing to The Intersect newsletter at theintersect.art. Join our community of practitioners merging technical and creative disciplines.

    23 min

Trailer

About

Curious about how technology and art collide, spark, and sometimes totally confuse each other? The Intersect of Tech and Art is your backstage pass to the wild, weird, and wonderful world where digital innovation meets creative expression. Created by Juergen Berkessel—a lifelong artist, technologist, and enthusiast for all things experimental—this podcast is for anyone who loves art, design, tech, or just a good story about the creative process. Whether you’re a digital artist, designer, tech enthusiast, or simply fascinated by how artificial intelligence, digital tools, and new technologies are shaking up the arts, you’ll find real-world insights and plenty of inspiration here. Each week, The Intersect dives into everything from digital art and AI in art to creative technology, design trends, and the latest breakthroughs in art technology. Expect lively features about artists and innovators, hands-on explorations of AI creativity, algorithmic art, and musings on how blockchain, augmented reality, and digital culture are transforming the art community. Episodes are packed with honest conversations, practical examples, and a healthy dose of friendly curiosity—plus a few laughs along the way. What sets The Intersect apart? It’s guided by Juergen’s unique perspective as someone who’s been both a practicing artist and a digital strategist since the days when floppy disks were still cool. The show was born out of the same curiosity and tension that drives the art-tech world: how do we balance human creativity with the possibilities (and pitfalls) of technology? That’s what keeps our community of artists, technologists, and innovators coming back—and keeps our newsletter subscriber numbers growing strong (with almost nobody unsubscribing, which is practically a miracle). Episodes run 20–30 minutes and drop weekly, making The Intersect a perfect listen for your coffee break, commute, or creative session. You’ll hear a mix of in-depth interviews, solo commentary, and the occasional panel-style discussion—always with a light, friendly tone that makes even the most complex tech trends feel accessible. A little transparency: this podcast is produced with the help of AI voice technology and synthetic voice tools. Why? Because frankly, the only way to bring this carefully researched, lovingly curated content from the newsletter to your ears each week is by experimenting with the very tools we talk about. Every episode is crafted, written, and reviewed by Juergen and a human team—AI is just our sidekick, not the boss. We see this as part of the ongoing conversation (and sometimes the tension) at the heart of art and tech today. Ready to join the fun, learn something new, and be part of a growing community at the intersect of art, design, and technology? Subscribe now to The Intersect of Tech and Art and don’t miss a single episode. For all the latest and to explore the full archive, visit theintersect.art.