How do different generations see the same piece of art? How is technology changing the way we create and connect with artistic expression? A recent workshop hosted by IMMA and the Age-Friendly AI project, “Generational Dialogues in Contemporary Art,” explored these questions with a group of young artists from Mercy Secondary School in Inchicore and the resident Studio 10 group at IMMA.

Studio 10 is IMMA’s gallery sessions programme for adults of all levels of creative experience. The programme combines tours, discussions, art-making and more, and is an excellent springboard for engaging with modern and contemporary art.

The workshop began with a short introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Dr Emma Clarke and Paula Kelly from the Age-Friendly AI team. This introduction helped to set the scene about the impact AI has on our day-to-day lives while noting the challenges it presents when it comes to art and creativity.

The group then visited four key pieces in the ‘Staying With The Trouble‘ exhibition that runs at IMMA from 2 May – 21 September 2025. ‘Staying with the Trouble’ invites visitors to rethink their connections with humans, animals, and ecosystems. The “Techno-Apocalypse” strand of the exhibition critiques dystopian views on technology, proposing a more nuanced, interconnected future.

After exploring the artworks, the group returned to the Matheson Creativity Hub to craft a creative response to what they had seen. Some explored the ideas of avatars inspired by Atsushi Kaga’s ‘Ukiyo-e’ (2024) which depicts the artist’s alter ego Usacchi, a classic pooka rabbit who embodies his experience of living between Japan and Europe.

This workshop wasn’t just about looking at art; it was about connecting through art. It highlighted the value of bringing together different generations to share their unique perspectives.

Visit the Age-Friendly AI photo gallery to see more photos from the event.