Henfie x Seneca Labs: Art Basel 2024 Innovators & Icons Awards

Seneca Labs is leading innovation where art, technology, and society intersect. Founded by Calvary Rogers, whose background is made up of art, computer science, and sociology, the lab explores ways artificial intelligence (AI) can emulate, enhance, and amplify human creativity and relationships.

For Calvary Rogers, programming has always been more than a technical skill—it’s a creative act akin to painting or composing music. This perspective, combined with a deep appreciation for how technology has historically reshaped artistic practices, informs Seneca Labs’ mission. “Whether through Photoshop transforming digital art in the 1990s or algorithmic music tools redefining composition, technology has always been intertwined with creative expression,” says the founder. At Seneca Labs, AI is seen not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a collaborator—a tool that extends the limits of artistic expression and helps shape social constructs in unprecedented ways.

AI, as envisioned by Seneca Labs, is not an autonomous creator but a sophisticated instrument that remixes and reinterprets human ingenuity. “Like photography expanded the possibilities of painting, AI amplifies human artistry without diminishing it,” Rogers explains. To ensure the responsible integration of AI into creative workflows, Seneca Labs champions transparency and ethical design. The lab prioritizes frameworks for attribution and accountability, empowering artists to engage with AI while preserving their authentic voice and agency.

One of Seneca Labs’ groundbreaking projects demonstrates the team’s commitment to blending innovation with accessibility and ethics. By embedding NFC chips into tote bags connected to a fine-tuned speech-to-speech AI model called Marula, Seneca Labs enabled users to interact with AI in an intuitive and personal way. Designed to provide actionable strategies and creative guidance, Marula transformed a simple object into an interactive touchpoint for AI, illustrating how technology can integrate seamlessly into daily life while preserving humanity’s creative essence.

The rapid evolution of AI brings challenges, particularly in intellectual property and data consent. “AI is revealing the true value of our roles in the data economy,” Rogers notes. Seneca Labs is addressing these challenges by advocating for platforms that protect ownership and ensure fair compensation for creators. The lab envisions systems that allow individuals to monetize their unique contributions while benefiting from AI’s transformative potential.

Looking into the future, Seneca Labs aims to foster a creative ecosystem where artists and technologists collaborate to shape the future of AI. “We believe the true value of AI lies in its ability to emulate and enhance our work and relationships,” says Rogers. The lab’s mission is to inspire artists not only to use AI as a creative tool but to influence its development in ways that serve human expression and connection.

As AI drives a new creative dawn, Seneca Labs remains committed to its vision: empowering individuals, advancing artistic practices, and redefining how we interact with technology to enrich our lives. At Art Basel Miami and beyond, Seneca Labs continues to pave the way for innovation that is not just revolutionary, but profoundly human.