Jan Zuiderveld blends AI and creativity in interactive installation in Qatar
DOHA: Dutch artist Jan Zuiderveld has repurposed a standard office photocopier into an interactive AI-powered tool for his installation 'Machine-Aided Creativity,' currently on display at Qatar's 'Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent' exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum.
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle
The exhibition, running until May 15, 2025, explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, creativity, and identity through more than 20 works by regional and international artists.
With Zuiderveld's installation, visitors can sketch on paper, insert their drawings into the machine, and press a red button to watch as it prints vibrant, intricate AI-generated images.
Initially, Zuiderveld presented the drawings on a computer, but he found the response underwhelming. 'A lot of people were not as impressed as I thought they would be,' he told Arab News.
'People often don't find what happens on a computer screen special anymore. Because it is a computer, you are used to it. It does special things, magic things,' he said.
This realization led Zuiderveld to rethink his approach. 'I wanted to take machine learning algorithms out of the computer and embody them physically, so they feel more tangible for people,' he said.
He deliberately chose a photocopier as the interface for its familiarity. 'I wanted to create something intuitive, where people don't need instructions. It allows them to focus on the interaction itself,' he said.
The artist also believes that the installation fosters social engagement as participants share their creations. 'It works really well at events—people play with it, share their outputs, and it becomes a nice social lubricant,' he added.
Zuiderveld spent months refining the installation so it could operate entirely offline, with all algorithms running locally on the machine. 'That was the most significant update,' he noted, adding that real-time interactivity remains central to his work despite the challenges.
'For me, the most enjoyable part is watching people interact with the machine. It always brings in elements of surprise and new ways of thinking,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Saudi Pavilion Welcomes 1 mln Visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka
Saudi Arabia's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has received over a million visitors since its inauguration on April 13, according to Arab News. The pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners, features the Kingdom's unparalleled heritage and cultural aspects. Being the second largest pavilion after Japan, the Saudi pavilion boasts more than 700 events, such as dance shows and live performances. Through interactive events, the pavilion highlights the Kingdom's transformative journey and its technological breakthroughs in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. 'We are honored to mark this significant milestone and the Saudi Arabia pavilion's success in reaching one million visitors,' said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. Binzagr also noted that the pavilion reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to boosting cultural exchange and showcasing its transformative journey. 'As we move towards reaching the next million, the pavilion remains committed to inspiring visitors to learn about Saudi Arabia's achievements, and we look forward to deepening impact and welcoming the world,' he added. Binzagr emphasized that the Kingdom's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka stands as a testament to the strong Saudi-Japanese relations. 'As we journey towards Expo 2030 in Riyadh, we will leave a legacy here in Osaka. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a testament to Saudi Arabia's transformation as a global destination — and we are eager to welcome the world to Saudi Arabia,' he added. Gold Prize In May, the New York Architectural Design Awards awarded the Gold Prize to Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Japan's Expo Osaka 2025 in the Cultural Architecture – Interactive and Experiential Spaces category. The award represents a prestigious recognition of the pavilion's architectural excellence and its futuristic design that depicts the true essence of Saudi culture, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Through a sensory journey beginning with an outer courtyard and leading into a central inner one, the structure stands out as a contemplative space showcasing the Kingdom's cultural and urban diversity across cities and regions. Related Topics: Culture Minister Inaugurates Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Arabia Names Japan Envoy as Pavilion Commissioner for Expo 2025 Osaka Saudi Pavilion Secures New York Architectural Design Awards at Expo Osaka 2025 Short link : Post Views: 150
Arab News
7 days ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Day Day Game
If you are looking for a vibrant social hub in Riyadh, look no further than Day Day Game. This unique venue offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all types of fun-seekers. Whether you are a skater, a board game enthusiast, or someone who enjoys classic billiards, this place has something for everyone. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ One of the highlights is the skating area, where you can wear your skates and glide around with friends. It is a great way to enjoy some physical activity while having a blast. If skating is not your thing, you can play board games or read a book in a cozy corner. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for unwinding with friends over a card game or two. For those who enjoy classic games, Day Day Game features billiards tables where you can challenge your friends to a friendly match. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at crossbow shooting? It is a unique offering that sets this venue apart. Additionally, there is a fun air hockey table that is sure to ignite some competitive spirit. A particularly appealing aspect of Day Day Game is their Ladies Day every Wednesday and Sunday, providing a welcoming environment for women to enjoy all the activities without any pressure. Accessibility is another key feature; you can conveniently reach the venue via the Riyadh metro by taking the orange line. When it comes to food, Day Day Game does not disappoint. Their delicious menu offers a variety of options to refuel after a day of fun. Whether you are in the mood for snacks or something more substantial, you will find it here. The venue also serves as a social hub where you can meet new people and make lasting connections. With an open mic night, talented individuals have the opportunity to showcase their skills, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. For nostalgia lovers, there are arcade games from the 1980s that will take you back in time. And if you are in the mood for something more classic, there is bowling available too. Day Day Game is an exciting destination with endless options for entertainment. Personally, I love going there to skate, but with so many activities available, you will likely find yourself trying something new each visit. Whether you are with friends or looking to meet new people, this venue promises a memorable experience in Riyadh.
Arab News
19-06-2025
- Arab News
Review: Shawn Chidiac's stand-up comedy shows London what ‘Laughing in Translation' is
LONDON: The stand-up comedian Shawn Chidiac's first challenge upon arriving in London last week was getting used to looking right before crossing the road. However, when he finally did, he bumped into a cyclist who swore at him and sped off. Chidiac, who is based in the UAE, swore back angrily at the cyclist, an act he would not do in Dubai but felt compelled to since he was on an island where 57 percent of people swear most days. He was in the UK to perform 'Laughing in Translation,' his first solo stand-up comedy show since he became a full-time comedian and content creator in 2023. With over 645,000 followers on his @myparents_are_divorced page on Instagram, he is one of the best up-and-coming Arab comedians. Chidiac's parents are, indeed, divorced, and the audience at the nearly sold-out show at Shaw Theatre needed no reminder of this. Some of them were eager to share with him that their parents were also divorced. In a previous conversation with Arab News, the comedian said he likes 'connecting as many people as possible through (comedy stories about my) upbringing. Whoever has lived in the Gulf will have a similar story or narrative in their minds.' Before delving into his childhood and adult life experiences in Dubai, he guided the audience through a brief inner journey, using the commanding, deep voice of an Indian yoga guru, asking them to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and exhale. The audience — mostly young people, some of whom were Arabs or had Arab roots — struggled to maintain a sense of calm. One of Chidiac's comedic qualities is his ability to perform personas and accents inspired by the people he interacts with or has witnessed throughout his life in the Gulf, which became a melting pot of nationalities, languages, religions, and cultures. He was born in Canada to a family originally from Lebanon, but they later moved to Dubai, where he was primarily raised by his mother. He told the crowd that he went to the Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, expecting an English narrator dressed in a three-piece suit, similar to those he had seen in 'Downton Abbey' and other historical TV dramas. Instead, he encountered a man from Punjab complaining about the increasing number of immigrants in the UK. Thanks to the 'Chinese DVD man' who roamed the neighborhoods of Dubai, Chidiac was able to keep up with the latest comedy shows and newly released films that his classmates were watching while he attended an expensive school where he was the poorest student. As he was known, the 'Chinese DVD man' always had a secret compartment in his suitcase, which did not contain action, racing, or historical movies but another, unnamed genre that sold out quickly. Chidiac told Arab News that such stories '(come from) the people I know and see, and the things I do, and my interaction with them. So, the more interaction I have, the better it is, which is hard because I'm a massive introvert.' His interactions in Dubai span many nationalities and cultures. Whether in hospital, where he recently endured the ordeal of kidney stones and had to communicate with a Filipino nurse and an Egyptian doctor, or on a horse riding date with a British woman, which unexpectedly landed him in the sand. When the doctors presented him with options for removing the kidney stones, he chose the shockwave lithotripsy. 'As an Arab, I chose the explosives,' he said.
