No creativity without disruption? Generative AI and the Crisis of Irritation

Generative AI is seen as a driving force behind new forms of creativity. Does it truly create something new, or does it merely refine the predictable? A panel discussion on creative breaks, disruption, and the future of artistic practice.

Creativity arises less from continuous production than from the interruption of routine actions. When expectations are dashed, processes stall, and new perspectives become necessary, a moment of reflection sets in: situations are reinterpreted, and courses of action are reconsidered. Experiences of confusion, contingency, and loss of control are thus key catalysts for creative and moral thinking.

But what happens to creativity when AI systems smooth out precisely these disruptions? Image, text, and music generators produce ideas, variations, and drafts in seconds. They accelerate, shift, and reorganize work processes. In practice, they effectively disrupt established routines. At the same time, they may reinforce patterns of thought and design: their suggestions are based solely on statistical probabilities, not on productive surprises. The result? Optimized predictability and seamless connectivity. Or is that not the case?

We discuss the implications for artistic practice and expertise, who stands to gain and who stands to lose, and how AI can be used in ways that not only accelerate processes but actually open up new avenues for thought and action.

Panel

Gregor Schmalzried, freelance consultant and journalist; “The AI Podcast” (ARD)
Niels van Hoek, Salon Schwabing / XXXXX Creatives, University of Geneva / Swiss Center for Affective Sciences
Prof. Dr. Julia Langkau, University of Geneva / Swiss Center for Affective Sciences

Moderator: Dr. Niina Zuber, bidt

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Participation is free of charge.