Br(ai)ve New World?
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
The “Br(ai)ve New World?” series leverages generative AI tools like Midjourney and StableDiffusion to craft visual narratives that extend beyond mere image creation into deep artistic exploration. These tools facilitate a dynamic interplay of ideas and visuals by cross-pollinating outputs from one AI with inputs to another, enriching the thematic depth of each piece. This process is enhanced by parametric design using Processing, a Java-based environment, which allows for the dynamic adjustment of typographic and iconographic elements based on color data from AI-generated images. The result is a series of unique, script-generated layouts that transform color data into intricate, text-based art, making each artwork essentially one-of-one.
This exhibition not only showcases the capabilities of these digital tools but also invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of traditional artistic expression and the potential for technology to redefine art and design. By engaging with questions about technology, identity, and society, the series fosters a dialogue that enhances understanding of how art evolves alongside advancements in AI, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the interplay between technological innovation and creative expression in our rapidly changing world.
Typeface: Liston, by ATK Studio, YouWorkForThem.com
BE HAPPY
This digital tapestry of smiley faces, embedded with commands like “A perfect world is a happy world” and “Be happy,” visualizes Aldous Huxley’s depiction of mandated happiness in the World State. The piece challenges viewers to consider the implications of such enforcement in today’s era of pervasive social media, where happiness is often curated and obligatory.
WE PREDESTINE & CONDITION
Set against two interwoven human figures, the phrase “We Predestine & Condition” in fragmented digital typography represents Huxley’s vision of societal expectations molding identities. This artwork invites reflection on contemporary issues like genetic engineering and the algorithm-driven shaping of personal identity, echoing concerns over privacy and autonomy.
WE’RE ALL PART OF ONE GREAT MACHINE
Layering the first chapter of Brave New World as a backdrop, this portrayal of Mustapha Mond symbolizes the mechanistic nature of Huxley’s World State. The precise layout critiques the modern-day industrial complex and consumer culture, which mirror Huxley’s fears of societal standardization and loss of individuality.
NO PAINS HAVE BEEN SPARED
This artwork, featuring the repeated phrase “No pains have been spared to make your stay here as pleasant as possible,” presents a figure blending machinery with humanity, critiquing the superficial comforts of Huxley’s World State. It questions the societal trade-offs of a life free from discomfort but devoid of true autonomy, prompting viewers to consider the deeper costs of a convenience-driven existence.
INSTANT HAPPINESS
Constructed from SOMA pills, this artwork forms the visage of contentment, symbolizing the allure of artificial joy in Huxley’s World State. It critiques the reliance on pharmacological solutions where happiness is manufactured and consumed. This piece prompts viewers to reflect on the simplicity of such quick fixes, questioning the real cost of happiness that can be instantly obtained from a bottle, and the broader implications for personal and societal well-being.
ORGY-PORGY, FORD AND FUN
Using a children’s limerick from Brave New World, this artwork titled “Orgy-Porgy” visualizes the paradox of forced communal intimacy in the World State. It illustrates how such mandates draw individuals physically closer, yet push them psychologically apart, creating a facade of unity that masks profound isolation. This piece invites viewers to reflect on the authenticity of connections in our technology-driven society, probing the psychological impacts of artificial intimacy.
ENDING IS BETTER THAN MENDING
This artwork delves into Huxley’s theme of disposability, using decaying elements and a Ginsberg-inspired poem to critique the throwaway culture prevalent in today’s consumerism. It challenges viewers to reconsider the environmental and social impacts of perpetual consumption and planned obsolescence.
THE SAVAGE
Highlighting the existential struggle of Huxley’s character caught between natural instinct and societal imposition, this artwork uses Generative AI to provoke thoughts on current debates about cultural assimilation and the preservation of individuality in the face of globalization and homogenizing forces.