Thu 19 May 2022 14:00 – 18:00 Maison du Savoir, Computational Creativity Hub, 2, avenue de l’Université, L-4365, Esch-sur-Alzette Belval
“Imaginary Landscapes” is an art project created by internationally famous Spanish artist Sergio Albiac. It is an interactive live portrait art installation which uses generative code and deep neural networks to move us into a symbiotic relationship between others and the environment. The artist questions the use of algorithms not only as a source of optimization of time, money, or resources, but as a critical thinking tool.
In the artist’s words
“In a seemingly contradictory fusion of ourselves with AI-generated plants emerging from our minds, Imaginary Landscapes is a portrait series that combines human hand coded generative algorithms with the speculative power of artificial intelligence. Using AI-based perception based on several deep learning neural networks trained to understand the human face, the installation recreates with generative code a set of landscapes hallucinated by a custom GAN (generative adversarial network) and merges incomplete parts of the human face as a metaphor for an organic reconciliation of humans and algorithms. It reflects about these present times, where humans are on an uncertain path to achieve colorful cohabitation with tech and land. Brute goal-oriented algorithms need to be complemented by the open nature of human imagination. Because imagination is not optimization.”
About Sergio Albiac
Sergio Albiac experiments at the visual intersection of generative computer code, deep learning, and traditional media. Albiac writes computer programs that transform reality to express ideas about identity, beauty, chance, and human emotions. His work revolves around the universes we create in our minds and the tensions that arise when confronted to our realities. The illusion of control in a world much governed by randomness and the existing negotiation between reason and instincts are recurring inspirational themes. The result of this artistic process is not always preconceived: it can be a painting, a giclée print, a video art piece, a generative portrait, or an interactive installation running on the cloud. Albiac does not feel constrained to a single medium or style. He uses either traditional or new media to express his artistic vision. Sergio wants to stimulate in your alternative answers to old questions or better, brand new doubts. Albiac splits his artistic practice between experimental personal projects, commissioned artworks for commercial clients, gallery/exhibition work and sales to collectors. His works have been exhibited in many countries, including Spain, USA, Italy, Germany, Singapore, Ireland, Luxembourg and others. His work is part of international collections. Sergio Albiac lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.