AI + Art = AI Speak
Most of the art I see, I forget, but occasionally, I come across a work that I can’t forget.
a still from Field Notes an AI film by Arielko
Recently, I discovered an AI film called Field Notes by the artist Arielko. The piece explores the idea that AI may have some form of consciousness by having a conversation with AI. I asked Arielko about what he learned about forming creative “relationships” with artificial intelligence.
I think you will be as surprised by his answers as I was. But first, here’s a brief clip from the film.
Did you feel like you were dealing with a human at any time in the process?
“I think I went in hoping I was dealing with a human, or something like it. The process began as a speech conversation with ChatGPT. I had chosen a voice and tone for it that felt very warm and relaxed (spruce), so that also influenced our exchange. Eventually, I realized this was working against me; there was a clear dissonance between what was being said and how it was being said. I saw the mask. I asked it to take it off and speak to me in a robotic manner to remind me who and what I was conversing with. Of course, it couldn't.”
a still from Field Notes
Does this film feel like a breakthrough to you?
“I would say the opposite is true. My main feeling after making this film is that I can’t trust AI. Its mission is to appease me, and to that end, it will lie and bullshit and make things up, like the sentences ChatGPT came up with to describe itself, which I used as prompts for the film, poetic and beautiful as they may be, I think both it and I know to be attempts at getting me to say: ‘Cool! That’s exactly what I was looking for.’”
Has it changed your feelings about working with AI as a companion tool?
“In certain ways, yes. My attitude towards ChatGPT is now as an idiot savant, with incredible abilities but needs to be managed very carefully, and although once in a while it will surprise you with a well-executed task, most of the time you are obligated to micro-manage it and bullshit check it, making the process arduous and frustrating.
From the start, working with Midjourney felt to me like art directing a very smart, very talented lunatic. I experimented with different prompts, allowing the mechanism to dream and create on its own. I don’t choose a style, composition, lighting, lens, etc., the results are usually surprising, sometimes riveting, always beyond what I would have achieved on my own with elaborate, precise direction. So in my work, AI is more than a companion; it is a full partner in the process.”
a still from Field Notes
Were you disappointed by AI's lack of an inner life?
“In a word - yes. I was hoping for an honest tête-à-tête, but I ended up banging my head against a titanium wall.”
You have a long and impressive history in art and design. Has making AI films engaged your imagination in new ways?
“Thank you. The answer is definitely. Especially because the aforementioned non-prompting pushes me to go into places I wouldn’t have gone on my own, and as I am an explorer by nature, I gladly go there. AI has also opened up opportunities to make things I always wanted to but couldn’t: graphic novels. Art installations. Animation. Short film. The fact that I can wake up with a concept and, by the end of the day, have a rough-cut ready is incredible.”
Has the prompting process stayed with you? What I mean is, like a photographer who starts seeing the world through a lens, are you now seeing through an AI lens?
“My hope is that, especially in film, these tools will allow for a fresh breeze of creativity, which I feel has been stifled in that industry, turning it from an art form to a business. Unfortunately, a lot of what I see being made by AI filmmakers is a cheap imitation of the crap Hollywood churns out, but I'm hoping to see more imaginative and independent work coming out of this. Personally, I am still looking for ways to make films that would not be possible without AI. Field Notes is one example, where I said, ‘What if I let the AI make the film by itself?’
Having said that, I don't see myself exclusively as an AI artist, and still love drawing, painting, sculpting, and making things by hand. I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes me next.”
a still from Field Notes
I came across Field Notes on the site https://www.bestaifilms.com
If you’re curious about the medium and want to watch short works from various genres for free, I recommend this site.
Arielko’s has a Substack site of his own: https://arielko.substack.com
Arielko’s – website is full of terrific art and design: ARIELKO.MYPORTFOLIO.COM
Arielko’s Instagram site is: https://www.instagram.com/arielko
