AI, Art, and the Work of Narsiso Martinez: A Political Science Case Study

This case study presents the results of an innovative three-part class assignment conducted in an undergraduate political science seminar at Canisius University, a Buffalo-based Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition. Twenty-four students were first asked to critically assess the work of Mexican American artist Narsiso Martinez as part of the class theme of “Race, Law, and Politics.” Students studied Martinez’s canvases, which were available online and at a local gallery at the time. His focus is agricultural labor(ers) in the Western United States using mixed media. The second stage of the assignment had students use Adobe Firefly to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) processes and generates art through specific search terms including “agriculture,” “labor,” and “workers.” A comparative reflection formed the final part of the assignment. Students found the assignment captivating and thought provoking because it exposed race- and gender-based biases within AI. Students saw through Firefly’s understanding of labor-related art a stark contrast to the lived experiences of agricultural workers. I conclude with suggestions for educators who are keen on incorporating AI-focused assessments into their syllabi.