Orkhan Mammadov - Eastern Promises - Bazaars and Street Scenes. 1 of 1, 2023. The Eastern Promises: Preserving Orientalist Painting Through Data Science invites us to consider the role of technology in art and the ways in which it can be utilized to engage in new forms of artistic expression. Art as a meta-discipline is “an umbrella encompassing history, philosophy, nature and science.” The AI-powered paintings presented by Mammadov offer a fresh and innovative take on a timeless artistic tradition, provide a glimpse into the future of art-making in the digital age, and raise crucial questions about polarization, redefining our rapidly developing world as well as exploring and preserving the social and cultural heritage of humanity, with its own intricacies, in a way that has yet to be decoded by future generations.
//
Street scenes and bazaars were popular themes in Orientalist art, as they offered a glimpse into the bustling and colorful everyday life of the East. In these works, the street scenes and bazaars were often depicted as exotic and picturesque, with vibrant colors, bustling crowds, and intricate architecture
In many Orientalist paintings, the street scenes and bazaars were used to convey a sense of the East as a place of sensory overload, with the crowded streets and vibrant markets contrasting with the quiet and ordered spaces of the West. This representation served to reinforce the idea of the East as a place of chaos, in contrast to the West's depiction of itself as a place of order and rationality
At the same time, these street scenes and bazaars were also often depicted as dangerous, with hidden threats lurking in the shadows and behind closed doors. This served to reinforce the idea of the East as a place of danger and unpredictability, further emphasizing the power dynamic between the West and the East
It's worth noting that these representations of street scenes and bazaars were often highly romanticized and idealized, and were not necessarily reflective of the true nature of life in the East. However, they have had a lasting impact on Western perceptions of the East, and continue to influence popular culture and media representation of the region to this day.
Orkhan Mammadov - Eastern Promises - Religion. 1 of 1, 2023. In Orientalist art, religion was often portrayed as exotic and mysterious, with images of grand mosques, elaborate minarets, and devout worshipers. These images were often used to evoke a sense of the East as a place of spiritual richness and devotion, in contrast to the West's depiction of itself as a place of reason and secularism.
At the same time, the portrayal of religion in Orientalist art was also often highly stereotypical and negative, depicting Muslims and other religious minorities as backwards and oppressive.
Orkhan Mammadov - Ram Bagh Garden and associated Neural Impressions #36. 1 of 1 of 111 Muraqqa series Data Miniature with it's paired 1 of 1 of 111 Neural Impression. 2023
Ram Bagh Garden" portrays strolling silhouettes among green paths and still waters, with the artwork weaving a scene of peaceful interactions and natural beauty, set against a backdrop of exquisite architectural grace in a digital creation.
“Muraqqa - Data Miniatures” is an anthology of 111 artworks, created by Orkhan Mammadov to mark his transition from computer scientist to renowned artist over a decade. Drawing from his early dreams of animating miniature characters and his pivotal role in representing Azerbaijan at the 2019 Venice Biennale, this series breathes life into ancient miniatures, re-envisioning them as living memories of humanity through the lens of advanced technology.
The collection reimagines traditional miniature painting, a genre that once offered glimpses into vast narratives within compact frames, paralleling ancient storyboards. It serves as a bridge to the digital age, transforming intricate data into visual tales that echo the miniatures' fusion of calligraphy and imagery. Mammadov's work is a testament to this synergy, melding the detail of miniatures with the clarity and insight of data visualisation.
Mammadov’s foray into the realm of miniature painting reveals its 13th-century origins at the crossroads of Persian and Indian creativity, underscoring its pivotal role in cross-cultural exchange. His comprehensive analysis encompasses a vast dataset of miniatures from Azerbaijan, India, Iran, and Turkey, as well as treasures from the UNESCO-recognised St. Petersburg Muraqqa collection. These artworks, a showcase of the Mughal, Deccan, and Isfahan schools, created between the 16th and 18th centuries, intricately woven with scenes of royal life and Persian calligraphy, were once part of a looted treasure during Nadir Shah’s invasion of India and later acquired for Tsar Nicholas II. This collection of 100 pieces embodies the transcultural spirit of miniature art and its enduring narrative of international exchange—now preserved at St. Petersburg’s Institute of Oriental Manuscripts.
Orkhan Mammadov - Neural Impressions #43, #89, #54. 1 of 1 of 111, 2023. "Muraqqa: Neural Impressions" is a captivating journey through time and technology, where ancient miniature paintings come to life through the modern marvels of machine intelligence. Orkhan Mammadov, bridging his Azerbaijani heritage with his expertise in data visualisation, transforms 111 miniature masterpieces into animated 'data miniatures.' These artworks, once static windows into bygone eras, now dance with life and color, thanks to Diffusion and GAN models. Each piece, a part of a grander narrative spanning from the Mughal, Deccan, and Isfahan schools, is revitalized, allowing the intricate tales of royal life and Persian calligraphy to resonate anew. This series is not just a display of artistic finesse; it is a testament to the timeless nature of storytelling, where history is reimagined and preserved through the symphony of silicon and code, echoing the UNESCO mission of fostering cultural exchange and immortalizing our shared heritage. "Muraqqa: Neural Impressions" invites us to witness a seamless fusion of past and present, where art serves as a vessel for transcultural dialogue and a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity.
Refik Anadol - T +/- SERIES — LIFT OFF #200. 1 of 1 of 266. 2022. Emerging from the Studio’s signature aesthetic of fluid dynamics, the T+/- Series intertwines collective memories from humanity and machines. It offers multi-channel interpretations of the video recordings of the three key moments of the mission: Lift Off, Entry Burn and Splashdown.
The collection suggests that in Anadol’s artistic vision, the relationship between dreams and imagination can take their most creative and innovative forms by focusing on the feelings and situations associated with traveling to unknown territories.
Refik Anadol - T +/- SERIES — ENTRY BURN #55. 1 of 1 of 228. 2022.
Refik Anadol - T +/- SERIES — SPLASHDOWN #19. 1 of 1 of 230. 2022.
Yuma Kishi - Jesus and Mary. 1/1 editions collected into a set. 2020.
Yuma Kishi - Seeds #70014. Edition 1 of 1, Video Installation. 2022.
Mew - wish for all you want. Edition 1 of 1,
'they don't know the cycle like we do,
waking up a saint and going to sleep a martyr.'
an exploration of self doubt in regards to identity and the relationship between mental health and self assurances.
photography, mixed media scans, AI, and digital paint.
Helena Sarin - GANs N' Gowns, the AI Couture Glamour. As part of the VNYE 2021 exhibition HI-Resolution, my life fashion drawings as seen through the AI lenses. 2020.
Helena Sarin - La Potiere Jalouse: Rite of the Handmade. each 1 of 1 of 75. 2023. In one sentence my collection is about celebrating joy, humor, exuberance, fragility, and imperfection. The intent was to create artwork at the intersection of prehistoric myths and symbols and the latent space - I'm fascinated by the analogy between almost geometric imagery of pre-Columbian patterns and the generative artworks. Through a series of AI-generated images, transformed into the surface design for the pottery my ceramic pieces emerge as 'future artifacts'—tangible tokens of a present that bows to the past. In this blend of history, myth, comedy and cutting-edge technology one could appreciate the technical prowess but the work is meant to be enjoyed just on its crafty surface level. I paired each unique picture with a unique handcrafted ceramic piece — think of the former, of the NFT, as a postcard, capturing the essence and spirit of La Potière Jalouse as inspiration for pottery. In fact, I made the pots for the deliberate purpose of painting generative images on them. And perhaps, as you ease into the night with your favorite drink cradled in one of these pots, you'll find joy in the simple pleasures—a sip of tea, a splash of bourbon, or the warmth of a crafted mug and listen to the generative folktale, the bedside story I'm telling through the imagery on that vessel.
Helena Sarin - La Potiere Jalouse: Rite of the Handmade.
Botto - Attempt Deepen. Genesis Period. 2022 June #032. I would like to thank the sea for being so calm today. And wish the countryside good luck in an attempt to deepen. Botto in conversation with GPT-3. 2022.
and corresponding Botto Pipe Ceci nest pas un Botto #28.
Botto - Emerging from Waste. Paradox Period. 2023.
Sofia Crespo - Coral_5981. Series: Artificial Natural History. 2021
Sofia Crespo x Ix Shells - {Ruidos Emergantes}. As we process stimuli, we imbue meaning on the patterns that emerge: noise becomes signal, the experience becomes information. As the cultural divide we have built between the physical and digital is eroded by digital life, what patterns do these new denizens experience, what forms do their meaning take, what information do they perceive, also of us? Generative sound model trained on frog calls from Panama . By: Itzel Yard / @ixshells & Sofia Crespo. 2021.
Click the IPFS and listen to the sound.
Entangled Others - Intertidal Studies #42. 1 of 1 of 64, 2023. The continuum of what we sample stretches beyond the realm of the fathomable, yet even when we extract but a single drop of water, we find within it entire ecosystems of life and interactions. It's tempting to view each drop as a world, contained beautifully by surface tensions. Yet, when given the chance, even the smallest ecosystem will naturally merge with any other body of liquid, erasing and re-writing the depth and composition of the life within. This series acts as a multitude of samples drawn from the same intertidal zone of artificial life, deceptively singular and delimited, patiently awaiting the chance to diffuse into something greater.
Richard Nadler - Yamabushi's Horizon #1 and #100. 1 of 1 of 128. 2023. Yamabushi are revered as mountain priests or ascetic hermits in Japan, devoutly following the ancient traditions of Shugendō. This spiritual practice intertwines elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and the indigenous worship of mountains. The very name "yamabushi" itself translates to "those who find solace in the mountains."Every artwork within this series exudes an undeniable spirit of motivation, resonating with the echoes of Yamabushi's teachings. It serves as a profound reminder that life's challenges should not be feared, but embraced as transformative opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Generated through a custom AI model, Yamabushi's Horizons landscapes and strokes of generative-like art act as visual metaphors, reflecting the profound wisdom of Yamabushi and empowering us to harness our inner strength and nurture resilience.
Tu'ukz - "La Dame Du Sommeil". She embodies a profound paradox. She is the serene end to our day and the silent genesis of our night's journey. The bearer of dreams, the philosopher of rest, the mother of rejuvenation. She is a reminder that even in our deepest sleep, we are very much alive, growing, dreaming, and discovering. She is the enigmatic conductor, leading our symphony of dreams, an ode to our boundless, yet often overlooked, inner universe.
Tu'ukz - Memories of a Timeless Room. 1 of 1, 2023. In a room where reality blurs with fantasy, the ocean's waves dance on walls and still life breathes with vibrant exuberance. Every object, from the scattered porcelain to the suspended frames, tells a story, whispered secrets of distant worlds. Here, colors spill out of their confines, creating an ever-shifting tapestry that teases the mind and beckons the soul. It's a place where time stands still, memories intertwine, and every corner hides an enigma waiting to be unraveled.
Tu'ukz - The Arcane Path. 1 of 1, 2023. A realm where mystery meets beauty, each pixel thrums with cryptic energy, drawing you deeper into an uncharted cosmic labyrinth. 'The Arcane Path' is more than a spectacle; it's an immersive riddle that stirs the soul and challenges perception. Experience the allure of the unknown and let this artistic voyage redefine your concept of abstract art.
Tu'ukz - Phantom Of A Tender Home. 1 of 1, 2023. "Phantom Of A Tender Home" is a profound exploration of the transient nature of life, a testament to the ephemeral beauty of memories, and an ode to the homes we carry within us, even when they cease to exist in the physical realm.
Nathan Boey - Game Over. 1 of 1, 2023. This video explores references to classic 8bit side scrolling video games and features an old corporate CEO. A formal exploration with AI.
Jared S Tarbell - Entity #78/100. “Entity” is a wonderful dance of life. Colorful microorganisms are born, engage in naturalistic individual and group behaviors, evolve, and then terminate, making room for new specimens to emerge. The balletic choreography is governed not by linear animation but through the artist’s deep exploration and understanding of force-repulsion fields. Indeed, work with this complexity and nuance would seem impossible to animate by hand and feels closer to systems and behaviors we are accustomed to seeing only in nature. Such is the unique brilliance of Jared S Tarbell that his work does not capture nature, it rivals it.
This work is a programmed system and the video artifact was a capture of live interaction by the artist. The collectors will receive the interactive software as part of the acquisition. The music in this piece is “Infinity Machine” by Tonepoet. 2022.
Far - Infinite AI #90 and #92. Infinites is a collection of unique 512 artworks generated at the time of the minting process. Each infinite was created utilizing the intersection of two generative processes: A StyleGAN trained with a curation of artworks from the Great Masters, and an on-chain generative process that augmented a selection of the generated pieces from the first process. A set of images previously generated by the StyleGAN are used by a customized software to create an on-chain augmentation. The custom software is written in three.js and generates unique artifacts based on Ethereum transactions. 2021.
Far - Infinites IRL #836. This collection builds on Infinites AI. Like the originals, each Infinite IRL was created utilizing the intersection of two generative processes: A StyleGAN trained with a curation of artworks from the Great Masters, and an On-Chain generative process that augmented a selection of the generated pieces from the first process. In addition, another On-Chain generative process was utilized to generate the final artwork, adding further depth. The artifacts are coded using custom software that is written in three.js and utilizes the Ethereum data to drive the stylistic gestures. IRLs have been explicitly designed for exhibition display. 2021.
Ana Maria Caballero & Alex Estorick - Artifacts #66, 67, 68. Artifacts mean many things.
They are the products of humanity and of machine learning. They are also errors of perception and representation. At the end, they are traces of what has been and what might be — evidence of our majesty and fallibility.
These artifacts are an attempt to imagine a new token economy where both image and coinage can challenge tired histories. By harnessing the emergent potential of generative AI, they unearth the unexpected while hinting at human-machine cultures not yet discovered.
Through a process of devoted iteration, we have inserted alternative histories into the complex of ancient and medieval money, thereby posing the question: what might images of pregnancy, of family, and of domesticity mean when minted onto currency?
Our tokens tell simple stories of private lives but the identities of their subjects remain unknown. artifacts exist in a space of contested histories, displacing value from established, patriarchal power and situating it in our homes. In doing so, they ask the collector to join in the creation of new meanings.
artifacts
Ana Maria Caballero & Alex Estorick
Long-Form Generative AI
Edition of 100