The first generation of people are now growing up with AI readily available for everyday use. Kids can now interact with artificial intelligence for the first time from the moment they are born. One such example is at the MacKenzie Art Gallery’s new exhibit, Wake Windows: Circle Time. It features artwork from Hildy, a seven-year-old girl who lives in Regina. Her artwork isn’t recent, though. Hildy’s mother used AI to compile multiple drawings that Hildy created from ages one to three. The result of progressive drawings on loops at the exhibit are a new look at artwork from children. Hildy is excited not only that her artwork is now on display, but that she gets to “see other kids’ art as well, and that’s cool.” Guest Curator Rea McNamara says the artwork not done by children still takes inspiration from the experience of youth. In fact, the name of the exhibit itself is a direct correlation to children’s learning ‘windows’ while they are awake as toddlers, and the classic reading ‘circles’ that are often seen in young education classrooms. The exhibition aims to create a similar learning environment, according to McNamara. “We are creating this space to explore digital literacy. To explore collaborative action. And to think of ways for kids, families, but also educators, artists, what is our relationship to emerging technologies?” McNamara explained. The artwork and interaction are not only for kids of course, as parents are encouraged to journey through the exhibit together with their children. Alejandra and Magnolia Higuera are the mother daughter duo of one of the art pieces on display. They combined drawings, colourings, and photos into a moving and changing display that was made possible with the help of modern technology. It was an important exercise for Alejandra and her daughter, not only to grow their creativity, but to better understand the world Magnolia will grow up in. “We live in a world that is going very fast and very digital. Children should be exposed to it and know how to be in a world that is digital, because it’s kind of a literacy to know how to navigate that digital world,” Alejandra said. The exhibit also features a pillow corner for play and a spread of tufted rugs designed by Alejandra , for kids and parents to touch and hold, a rare occurrence in the world of art. Most of the artwork is not just for display but is encouraged to be interacted with physically. Wake Windows: Circle Time, is now open for viewing and will remain at the MacKenzie Art Gallery until Jan. 17.
