Welcome to Laurence Shafe’s World of Artificial Intelligence and Art History

Laurence ShafeAbout Laurence Shafe

Hello! I’m Laurence Shafe, an artificial intelligence researcher and art historian based in the UK. I have a deep passion for art history and for exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, and I’m excited to share my work and insights with you.

My Background

I hold a PhD in Computer Science, with a focus on natural language processing. I’ve worked on a variety of AI projects, from developing expert systems and virtual assistants to exploring the use of AI in art and design.

In addition to my technical work, I also have a strong background in art history. I completed a PhD in Art History and have published several articles and essays on the history of art, particularly in the modern and contemporary periods.

My Work

My work spans both the technical and creative realms. On the AI side, I’ve developed innovative systems that have been used in a range of applications, from aero-engine testing to bread making. I’m particularly interested in exploring how AI can be used to augment and enhance human creativity.

In the art world, I have a successful YouTube channel at LaurenceShafe, I have given many live lectures and I am a Tate Guide. On my YouTube channel I am recording 200 one-hour talks on the history of Western art.

Upcoming Events

I’m excited to announce that in the next few months I will be giving talks on Egyptian art, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Viking art, and Greek and Roman art as well as Gustav Klint, Egon Schiele and Edvard Munch. Keep an eye on my website for more details, and be sure to subscribe if you’re interested.

Get in Touch

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas you’d like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please note that I do not give my opinion on works of art. You can connect me here:

I look forward to continuing to explore the exciting intersection of technology and creativity with you.

Best regards,
Laurence Shafe
(Written by Perplexity on 9 April  2024)

Notes

  • My free online art history courses are available on YouTube with full lecture notes in PDF format.
  • Past Lectures and Courses lists all the courses and lectures I have given recently with class notes.
  • In 2023, I started a major project on my YouTube channel to create a chronological series of talks on the history of Western art.
  • I am a Tate Guide and I have prepared twelve guided tours of both Tate Britain and Tate Modern although since then Tate Britain has had a major rehang. I recommend visiting the Tate and going on one of their free guided tours. They are held at regular times every day by a wide range of expert guides, you may join and leave a tour at any point and you do not need to book in advance, just turn up.
  • The section of this website called Art History provides a brief introduction to the subject based on my undergraduate notes and ‘Jump to a Page‘ provides an alphabetic list of all the 940 pages.
  • My biography is on the About page and includes links to the essays and dissertations I wrote as a student from undergraduate level to my doctorate. If you would like to comment on the site or contact me please use the Contact page or the comment section above. To comment on a particular talk visit my YouTube channel and add a comment below the talk.