The Harmony of the Impossible: When human and Statue merge through AI
A vision in my mind, where reality and fantasy fascinatingly intertwine.
Suddenly, an artificial intelligence is capable of creating breathtaking photographs that are difficult to distinguish from real images.
And all this without a person having to pick up a camera. How is this possible? Through the collaboration of algorithms and neural networks that have learned to grasp the essence and beauty of images. The AI has learned to understand the play of light and shadow, master compositions, and even capture emotions in its works. It creates images that enchant us and provoke thought.
To challenge myself and better understand the AI, I thought of exciting and unconventional image ideas and scenarios that are not easily or even impossible to implement. Some time ago, I created artistic nude photographs in connection with statues. This vision, where reality and fantasy blend together, didn't let me go. So, I sat down and tried to create the right prompts for this image idea.
A prompt is a text command to the AI, which should be as clear and comprehensive as possible. One can compare creating an image with AI to composing a piece of music. The prompts are the notes. You write the notes on a piece of paper, and only when all instruments play together, harmonize, are perfectly structured, and coordinated, does a unique work of art emerge. It requires precise coordination and harmonious collaboration to create a masterpiece.
The world of Artificial Intelligence opens up a dazzling kaleidoscope of possibilities and poses profound questions about our own existence and our place in this changing reality. Are we ready to share our creative processes with Artificial Intelligence and expand the space for creation? Or will we witness a loss, a shift in human identity?
There is an almost endless variety of examples that surround us daily - from intelligent voice assistants that answer our questions to personalized recommendation systems that understand our preferences and deliver tailored content. But AI goes far beyond these everyday applications. It delves into the deepest corners of our creativity and even changes the fundamentals of photography - something that no one would have thought possible a few years ago.
Artificial Intelligence in Photoshop & Lightroom
AI also has revolutionary effects on professional image editing programs like Photoshop and Lightroom. Here, algorithms are used to remove unwanted elements from our photos, intelligently add objects to any desired location in the image, replace the sky, or refine pixelated images. AI has made a quantum leap in image manipulation and enables us to explore new horizons of creativity. However, as we expand the boundaries of technological possibilities, questions arise about the ethical aspects and the impact on human creativity.
To achieve such results, hours of experimentation are necessary. One creates new combinations of prompts repeatedly. Many variations of the text inputs must be made, and in the end, the best images are chosen.
For some images, it was necessary to manually remove distracting elements with Photoshop to adjust them to my ideas. The series means a lot to me personally, and the images touch me because they are not only incredibly aesthetic but also leave plenty of room for the viewer to interpret their own thoughts and stories. I am repeatedly amazed by these incredibly expressive, aesthetic works of art. The AI has exceeded my expectations and created the perfect connection between human and material on a fascinating level, where expression and silence unite. Through AI, the inanimate is brought to life, and in this symbiosis, a mysterious beauty is revealed that prompts reflection and expands our perception of art and existence.
A fascinating metaphor
The iconic representation of "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo can be considered a fascinating metaphor for the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The outstretched hands symbolize the collaboration and exchange between human creativity and the capabilities of artificial intelligence.
Similar to how God breathes life into Adam, we have created something that, in turn, brings us humans new insights, inspiration, and technological progress. However, there remains a gap between the hands, indicating that despite the closer collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence, there is still a certain distance or difference, as human creativity and sensitivity are unique.
My enthusiasm for the new possibilities of image design through Artificial Intelligence is significant. The results it produces are promising and open up a wide range of creative possibilities. However, it requires openness, willingness to learn, and continuous development to adapt to and utilize the changes. Certain areas of photography will undoubtedly be gradually replaced, but this is nothing new when a new technology emerges. We already experienced this with the introduction of digital photography. Artificial intelligence opens up new horizons and expands our perspective. It is up to us to seize this opportunity and explore the possibilities it offers. AI is not just a means for me to create exceptional images but also a source of inspiration and an extension of my photographic capabilities.
Whether it's a personal project or a client assignment, thanks to AI, I have another unique selling point.
It challenges us to expand our horizons and explore the unknown. By embarking on this journey, we can sharpen our creative vision and deepen our understanding of art and photography. I don't feel a loss of human identity as a result, rather an expansion of my abilities.
Article from Kim Pottkämper for Sigma Magazine, October 2023
