Hello there, I’m Simon Colton, a professor of computational creativity, generative artist and app developer. I have academic appointments at Queen Mary University of London in the UK and at SensiLab of Monash University in Australia. I was previously an academic at Falmouth University, Goldsmiths College and Imperial College London. I’m an AI researcher with 25 years of experience studying questions related to creativity in machines.
I’ve worked on generative mathematics, bioinformatics, graphic design, visual art, music, creative language and videogame design projects. I’ve led projects leading to large software installations challenging assumptions about creativity, including The Painting Fool automated artist, the HR generative mathematics system(s), the WhatIf Machine fictional ideation engine, the Wevva casual game creator and the Art Done Quick visual art casual creator.
These practical projects have enabled me to take a holistic view of the field and contribute to the philosophical discourse around the notion that AI systems could be genuinely and independently creative. This in turn has enabled me to put forward some informal and formal ways to assess progress towards getting software accepted as being creative in society. I’ve published more than 200 papers and held some large research grants – I was an EPSRC Leadership Fellow and European Research Area Chair.
I’ve exhibited artworks in 1 solo and 12 group exhibitions in London, Paris, Brussels, Lisbon and Falmouth, and I’ve demonstrated creative software in places like New Scientist Live and the London Science Museum. More than 150 articles, documentaries and interviews in the press, online, and on radio, television and podcasts have covered my work. I’m happily married and we have a brilliant 5 year old daughter. We live a nice life in Zaragoza, Spain.
My (slightly out of date) academic CV is here.