Subjective technology

Midjourney AI opens the door of creativity for the non-artists.

After arriving in Canada in June, Ukrainian artist Dmytro Durov made this painting using artificial intelligence on his computer. He says the image portrays his then state of mind as a newcomer. Supplied Photo

Sakib Ibn Rashid Rhivu
Kicker

With the help of a multimedia projector, Ukrainian artist Dmytro Durov teaches how to create artwork using artificial intelligence.

People from different backgrounds gathered in the half-lit corner of the gallery to explore the cutting-edge technique. Among the attendees were traditional artists, models, students and even writers.

Durov himself has been a professional photographer for almost five years.

“I take photos and I also like (the) arts,” said Durov. “So, I thought how about combining both?”

Midjourney AI is the tool Durov mostly uses for his creation. It can produce a painting solely based on written commands, or the user can set a reference image for the AI to begin the process with.

Artificial intelligence is inspiring non-artists to give it a try, says Julia Reznik, a Ukrainian model attending the workshop at the Eastern Edge Art Gallery on Harbour Drive in St. John’s.

“Without any prior experience, I managed to do something,” said Reznik looking at her art work on the laptop screen. “Even though it’s far from a great painting.”

The monetary benefit, says Durov, is another enticing factor for the new AI artists.

“With only $10 a month, you can get the right to sell whatever you are creating on the platform,” Durov said about the monthly fee on Midjourney. “People are selling artwork, t-shirts, mugs, souvenirs and other similar products.”

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design professor Alex Livingston switched to digital art in 2005. AI art is still a new thing to him.

“I’ve always embraced technological advancement in (the) arts field,” said Livingston. “But I am not sure if AI painting should be considered as a form of art (since) the computer does the work for you.”

“It’s just another tool in the toolbox of art supplies and mediums.”

– Rachel Gilbert

Durov recently came to Canada with his wife, Dragana Ilieska. An artist, she used to prefer traditional forms of painting over technology.

“At first, I thought it’s (AI art) automatic painting,” Ilieska said. “When I tried, I saw it’s not that easy. Outstanding art pieces still require creative input. Not everyone has that imagination.”

Rachel Gilbert is the project coordinator for the gallery.

“Technology’s not making the art,” said Gilbert. “It’s just another tool in the toolbox of art supplies and mediums.

“There’s still a conscious effort on your part as the artist to put (in) words and generate this image,” Gilbert said.

Midjourney AI just gives them the opportunity to bring the inner artist out, says Durov.

“No one’s gonna take the bread and butter of traditional artists,” Durov said. “Some people who cannot relate to art, are just exploring. They don’t care if we call them artist or not.”

Ilieska says art can be subjective.

“Art is the way of expression,” said Ilieska. “The shape or form doesn’t matter.”

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.