Lumen Prize 2025 showcases meaningful computational art beyond AI hype
By
Tom May
Fresh out the oven, still warm. Top of the tray.
Summary
The 2025 Lumen Prize awards in Kristiansand, Norway showcased computational art that moves beyond tired AI debates. Artists are using digital technologies—including AI—with genuine intention, exploring themes of agency, identity, and meaning. The event featured a symposium titled 'New Signals in Arts Technologies' and demonstrated that the Lumen Prize, running since 2012, remains the world's leading award for artists working at the intersection of technology and creative expression.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledI was bracing myself for the usual 'AI: good or bad?' and 'are computers replacing creativity?' debates (yawn).
But instead, I experienced something much more thoughtful.
Artists using technology with real intention, asking hard questions about agency, identity and meaning.
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