What is Art? At the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Art

Co Supervisor Prof Jonathon Hare

This project explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Art, examining how machine learning can contribute to artistic creation and expand our understanding of what art is. Through developing generative models, physically embedded tools, and fostering human-AI collaborative artistic processes, this research addresses creativity, authorship, and originality.

With the increasing development in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning algorithms and generative models that can produce visual, textual, and musical expression, we are witnessing an expansion of the art domain. Therefore it is important to examine the impact of AI on artistic expression. You will explore fundamental questions surrounding the nature and boundaries of art in an era where machines are capable of producing complex creative works. Specifically, this research seeks to address the question ‘What is art?’, and examine the role AI might play in expanding our understanding of artistic expression.

This project will:

• explore how machine learning algorithms (such as generative, variational and diffusion models) contribute to the visual creative process
• examine the cognitive and aesthetic differences between human and AI creation processes and outputs
• address the challenging perspectives related to creativity, originality and authorship in the context of AI
• develop machine learning models to support the artistic co-creation process
• develop more constrained ways of producing visual media, beyond painting pixels, through utilising tools such as a robot arm manipulating an instrument (brush, pen, pencil), or simulating such tools
• engage with the wider community of artists to collaborate on AI-assisted artworks

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Funding is via competition from either the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (EPSRC DTP) or internal school funds.

How to apply

 PhD Application nearmejobs.eu Research nearmejobs.eu University of Southampton

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD in Computer Science
• add name of the supervisor in section 2

Applications should include:

• personal statement
• Research Proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date