AI versus time: discussion at the National Centre RUSSIA on whether neural networks can restore lost masterpieces

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On 21 August, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted an signature event as part of the educational project "Development" on the theme "Restoring the lost: restoration of masterpieces and the role of AI in bringing back lost legacy".

In an open dialogue format, experts and restoration enthusiasts discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the preservation of historical artefacts, the extent of its penetration into the cultural legacy of Russia and the world, copyright issues in the use of modern technologies, and the popularisation of historical values.

Visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA had the opportunity to look behind the scenes of museum work and appreciate how artificial intelligence contributes to the recreation of lost masterpieces.

The moderator of the event was Yulia Loginova, Deputy Chair of the Russian Association of Restorers, Deputy President of the Union of Restorers of Russia, and artist-restorer of the highest category.

The speaker emphasised that today a neural network cannot replace a specialist such as a restorer, but provides masters with a broad base of historical and cultural data used by the professional community in research within the framework of restoration work.

"In my view, primary and unique are those qualities possessed by restorers themselves, gained through the restoration of real cultural heritage objects they have worked on throughout their professional lives," noted Yulia Loginova.

The expert community is currently exploring ways to apply artificial intelligence in the field of restoration, said Irina Guruleva, Deputy Head of the Department of Scientific Restoration and Conservation at the State Hermitage Museum, artist-restorer of graphic works of the 2nd category, Candidate of Art History.

"Artificial intelligence is still little studied in our field. We are looking for ways of using AI and how it might help us in our work. It is a popular trend, but so far it has not found practical application in our sphere. What we know and can assess today are still developments. We do not know specific museum-level professional examples where we could judge restoration processes with the help of artificial intelligence. For now, we are talking about collecting information, but as for hands-on practice with AI, we do not know. Like any new technology, it is of interest to us. We understand that nothing can replace the human being and their work. But if artificial intelligence can help us and ease a certain stage of restoration, the major preparatory stage of research, this will already be a great support," stressed Irina Guruleva.

A similar opinion was expressed by Dmitry Antonov, Director of the State Research Institute of Restoration. He added that modern restoration of works of art is a science-intensive activity.

"Back in the 1950s, sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, and others began to be integrated into this scientific and practical activity. Today, scientists and artist-restorers work together to preserve objects of material culture for future generations," said Antonov.

As part of the principle of open science, the expert community shares achievements in the field of artificial intelligence in open access. Over time, such a global database will be enriched with data and become effective, the speaker expressed confidence.

Particular interest among participants was aroused by a demonstration of the capabilities of artificial intelligence in restoration. The audience took part in an interactive poll, during which guests identified world masterpieces of fine art and their authors from images redrawn by a neural network based on specific prompts.

In conclusion, experts expressed confidence that the technology of recreating masterpieces of cultural legacy will continue to develop. The task of the professional community is to treat this field with great attention and responsibility, without losing professional standards.

You can learn more about events at the National Centre RUSSIA at russia.ru in the "Events" section.