Decoding Arts Evolution
Artwork on display at Leeds Trinity University photo exhibition.
Unmasking the canvases of real and Ai-Driven Expressions
By Freya Webber
Broadcast Journalist Student – LTU
The debut staff exhibition of BA Photography in 2024 is currently on view just outside the Mary Hallaway Lecture Theatre, aptly named 'Viewpoints.' This photographic showcase explores a range of landscapes and offers photographers' unique perspectives on various locations and spaces. The exhibition will captivate audiences until Friday, March 1.
Alex Vann's creation, ‘Uncanny Valley’ “is an object lesson in how use of AI will inevitably change our understanding of reality and the role visual media will play in this paradigm shift, potentially societally altering results.”
Interestingly, residents inquired about the locations depicted in the photos, exposing the AI-generated nature of Vann's images, challenging the perception of reality for those intimately familiar with the area. In contrast to those who might interpret it as genuine.
The concept of the ‘uncanny valley’ describes the unsettling sensation one experiences when coming face-to-face with a robot that closely mimics human characteristics. Originating in 1970, the term was coined by Masahiro Mori, a robotics professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. It encapsulates the eerie feeling evoked by robotic entities possessing human-like features, providing a deeper insight into the artwork.
Vann's captivating images, crafted by AI, artfully incorporate traditional artistic techniques. Utilizing a darkroom, he skilfully refines and transforms these images into a monochromatic palette, demonstrating the seamless integration of cutting-edge AI technology with time-honoured artistic skills.
In Vann's words,
"AI produces hyper-real entities; entities with the ability to lie, or obfuscate, persuade, and distort our perception of physicality and reality through the use of print."
The artwork prompts contemplation on reality, questioning how we discern authenticity. Vann raises thought-provoking queries, such as,
"Can one interact with fake things in the same way as real things?"
and
"Who questions an authority figure's authenticity?"
" These inquiries spark conversations about the blurred boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds."
Vann underlines,
"The assertion posits that if the outcomes surpass the potential drawbacks, then deception becomes an issue, except when it serves an educational purpose and stimulates meaningful conversations."
He adds,
"Verifying an object becomes harder as simulators advance," cautioning about the challenges of discerning reality in an era of advanced simulations."
The artwork evokes a sense of ambiguity, reminiscent of the Victorian era streets, only to reveal it as an AI creation, adding a surprising twist. It urges viewers to acknowledge the ubiquity of AI in society, advising a cautious embrace of its benefits while remaining aware of its potential pitfalls.
Vann's creation serves as a reminder that in the age of AI, the line between what's real and artificial is increasingly blurred. It encourages open dialogue, emphasising the importance of seeking multiple perspectives to find a nuanced truth amid the uncertainties of AI.
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