Best Paper Award, 17th International Conference on Computational Creativity (ICCC 2026)
Coimbra, Portugal
July 2026
For "Theory as Architecture: Why Aesthetic Frameworks Should Constitute, Not Merely Evaluate, AI Art Systems"
atticussims@um.edu.mo
atticus@studio-pollen.com
Interdisciplinary researcher and educator advancing the integration of AI technologies in creative practice and arts education. Currently serving as Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Research in Artificial Intelligence and Design in the Department of Visual Communication Design, Faculty of Design, at the University of Macau. Research examines the systematic implementation of diffusion models and generative frameworks in arts and design production, with particular focus on developing curricula and methodologies for AI-driven visual media creation. This academic work is enriched by prior industry experience founding an immersive media production company that created XR experiences for heritage sites and cultural institutions. Current projects include international collaborations exploring AI's creative applications, exemplified by "The Metamorphosis of Plants" exhibition investigating evolutionary principles through machine learning, and a permanent installation at Hong Kong Baptist University visualizing knowledge structures through algorithmic composition. Active contribution to international discourse through workshops and symposia. Currently conducting doctoral research on educational methodologies for emerging technologies while teaching courses that bridge technical understanding with creative development.
For "Theory as Architecture: Why Aesthetic Frameworks Should Constitute, Not Merely Evaluate, AI Art Systems"
Awarded to a student team under my supervision.
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Research in AI and Design, Department of Visual Communication Design, Faculty of Design, University of Macau
Founder and Director, Creative Intelligence Lab (um-cil.com)
(August 2025 - Present)
Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Faculty of Media Creation, Kyoto Seika University
(April 2021 - July 2025)
PhD Candidate in Fine Arts, Kyoto Seika University (Expected completion: March 2027)
Dissertation: "Practice and Pedagogy of AI Art Tools: From Artistic Research to Educational Framework"
AI-Assisted Creative Practice
Investigates the integration of AI tools across fine art and design practices, examining how emerging technologies transform artistic production and creative methodologies. Current work focuses on developing frameworks for implementing open-source AI tools in both traditional and digital art creation, with particular attention to how these tools can augment rather than replace established artistic practices.
AI Systems in Arts Education
Creates and evaluates pedagogical approaches for teaching AI-aided creation in higher education, with emphasis on fine arts curricula. Documents the implementation and outcomes of AI tool adoption through systematic assessment and case studies. Develops strategies for balancing technical instruction with artistic development in contemporary arts education.
Leading investigation into effective integration of generative AI tools in university arts curricula. Examining pedagogical approaches, stakeholder perceptions, and ethical guidelines for AI in art education in order to develop a framework for responsible AI integration in creative academic contexts
Conducted research on the design and implementation of a bio-signal driven generative art system for the exploration of the role of consciousness in artistic expression.
Co-Investigator in developing multimedia online platform linking MIT and Kyoto Seika University for experimental art performance and cross-cultural exchange.
As CEO of KYOTO VR, directed winning proposal and execution of innovative AR platform for traditional Noh theater performances, exhibited at the 2018 Japan Media Arts Expo, Rohm Theater, Kyoto.
Created 40-meter high banner utilizing circle packing algorithm to arrange 200,000 circles in neural network patterns representing the organization of human knowledge.
Resident artist performing live video mixing using AI and generative techniques with an experimental ensemble.
Recent performances: The Art of Music #17 (February 28, 2026) and #18 (April 11, 2026), Cafe AMI, Kyoto. #18 was the first live use of the FX-Diff Engine.
Debut exhibition exploring connections between AI latent space and evolutionary design in orchids through year-long experimentation with AI image generation techniques.
Multimedia installation combining video, wallpaper, and 3D-printed sculpture created using custom machine learning model trained on extensive orchid taxonomy.
Video and printed works exploring concepts of pareidolia through generative 3D processes depicting biological objects as glass sculptures.
Site-specific generative video installation integrating traditional temple aesthetics with evolving mandala-like imagery generated through custom algorithms.
Co-curated official satellite exhibition for Kyotographie International Photography festival featuring 20 photographers from global and local perspectives.
Series of images and video installations utilizing recursive algorithms to explore self-similarity in nature and consciousness through mandala-like imagery.
Led interdisciplinary project coordinating collaboration between cultural institutions, universities, and international team to present Noh performances in mixed reality.
Created interactive virtual environment integrating 3D-scanned heritage sites with photography to blend physical and digital spaces.
Series of live virtual reality painting performances exploring real-time artistic expression.
Open-source real-time generative video system using diffusion models, developed for live audiovisual performance.
Currently supervising 3 Doctor of Design (DDes) and 3 Master of Design (MDes) students, University of Macau.
Lead interdisciplinary art-science collaborative developing AI-driven artworks and installations
Led VR/AR preservation initiatives for UNESCO sites, directing interdisciplinary teams, international partnerships, and immersive experience development
Available upon request.