AI in Contemporary Art: A Collaborative Approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and art is no exception. AI is now being used to create stunning and innovative works of art, and it is also being used to collaborate with human artists in new and exciting ways.

One such collaboration is the "Childhood Memories" project I am working on. In this project, I use AI to generate reference images of my childhood memories in China in the 1970s and 1980s. I then uses these reference images to create paintings that are both nostalgic and heartwarming.

Here is my process:

"I start by thinking about a specific memory from my childhood. I might remember a particular place, person, or event. Once I have a memory in mind, I start to brainstorm keywords that I can use to generate reference images with AI. I might use keywords like 'locust tree,' 'shuttlecock kicking,' or 'abacus.' Once I have a list of keywords, I use an AI image generator to create a series of reference images. If I’m not happy with the generated image, I could blend it with some of my drawings to create new images. I might also remix new key words with an image to fine-tune it."

Once I have generated some reference images, I begin the process of painting. I use the reference images to capture the essence of the memory, but I also rely on my own artistic skills and judgment to create a unique and original work of art.

I don't want to simply copy the reference images. I want to use them as inspiration to create something new and different. Most importantly, I want it to connect my feelings of the past and capture the essence of my memories.

The "Childhood Memories" project is an example of how AI and human artists can collaborate to create something truly special. My paintings are a testament to the power of AI to help us explore our memories and to the importance of human creativity in the art-making process.

In addition to the "Childhood Memories" project, there are many other examples of AI and human artists collaborating to create art. For example, some artists are using AI to generate new color palettes, to create new textures, or to experiment with new forms. Other artists are using AI to create interactive art installations or to generate new ideas for their work.

The collaboration between AI and human artists is still in its early stages, but it is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionize the art world. AI can help artists to create new and innovative works of art, and it can also help artists to explore their creativity in new and exciting ways.

Shuttercock Kicking

Shuttlecock kicking, or Ti Jianzi, was one of the favorite games for girls when I was a child. After school, girls would always gather in twos and threes to play shuttlecock kicking, taking turns to kick and count. The goal was simple: keep the shuttlecock from touching the ground. You could kick it in any direction, forwards, backwards, or even jump and kick it - all counted as points!

We even made our own shuttlecocks using a copper coin, a piece of cloth, and the prettiest rooster feathers we could find. The person with the coolest shuttlecock would get lots of jealous looks!

The Locust Tree

This painting portrays the locust tree that grew outside my parents' third-floor condo when I was a child.

I remember when the locust tree would bloom in the summer. We would take the clusters of flowers and mix them with sugar to make the stuffing for steamed buns. It was a simple pleasure, but it was a sweet one.

To follow my progress in this project, you can visit my Instagram page here.