ZARK

Zagreb Art Kolektiv (ZARK) is proud to present “Elementally AI”, an art exhibition that explores the intersection of art, cutting-edge technology, and science. Featuring 118 digital collage artworks, each meticulously crafted to represent an individual element from the periodic table, the exhibition aspires to serve as a beacon of unbounded creativity. It was held in collaboration with Tehnički muzej Nikola Tesla in Zagreb, Croatia – an institution that shares our passion for exploring the boundaries of art and technology.

Exhibition Overview

Embracing the Technological Renaissance in Art and Education

In the realm of the spiritual, humanity is revered as the masterpiece of a higher power, vessels infused with a divine essence that lends us indisputable intrinsic worth. Through the lens of secular humanism, life is a canvas of boundless potential, a testament to the profound capabilities of creation, ingenuity, and transformation bestowed by our creativity, intelligence, and empathy.

Scientific ingenuity, individual expression in the arts, and cultural participation have always provided bridges between these different ways of interpreting the sanctity of human life.

Today we stand overlooking a new vista where intelligent machines are poised to take on roles which have secularly and spiritually been viewed as defining some of the greatest characteristics of humanity, heretofore the sole arbiters of artistic and scientific achievement.

In this transitional period when intelligent machines are already beginning to blur the traditional concepts of what makes our species uniquely valuable, and yet human creativity still knows no limits, Zagreb Art Kolektiv (ZARK) proudly presents “Elementally AI” – an exhibition that transcends conventional norms and celebrates the convergence of art, technology, and science. With a vision rooted in innovation and a commitment to educational empowerment, we embark on a transformative journey to redefine the art landscape and ignite a newfound passion for exploration and discovery.

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology:

In collaboration with Tehnički muzej Nikola Tesla in Zagreb, Croatia, the exhibition stands as a testament to our shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and technological innovation. Employing the power of generative AI, we augment traditional artistic methods and unveil a parallel world of infinite possibilities.

A Visual Journey Through the Elements:

“Elementally AI” is a visual odyssey that invites viewers to embark on a journey through the elemental realm. At the intersection of imagination, artistic craft and cutting edge technology, we illuminate the intrinsic beauty and significance of the elements, sparking curiosity and inspiring wonder in the hearts and minds of our audience. From the glistening allure of gold to the timeless strength of iron, each artwork captures the essence of its respective element in a visually striking and evocative manner.

In giving each element a face and background with features that are distinctive to its properties, history and real world uses, we transform abstract knowledge into tangible forms which are effortlessly understood and remembered.

At the same time, the exhibition seeks to accomplish more than merely entertain audiences with fanciful characterizations of the world’s fundamental building blocks; it is also an expedition through newly opened territory in the quest to advance the potential of humankind. It represents an effort to harness the potency of “intelligent” machines trained on centuries of artistic, cultural, and scientific labor to ferry us beyond the illusory boundaries of human creativity. Shaped by a mosaic of cultural, historical, philosophical, technological, and deeply personal landscapes – a symphony of voices from deep in the past and every corner of the world – this trek through our collective expressions of the heart and soul seeks to promote the enduring dialogue about what it means to be truly human.

“Elementally AI” holds the power to leave a lasting impact on museum visitors of all ages, educators, and future generations. Through acquainting them with the enhancing potential of AI-assisted art and immersive technologies, we hope to inspire a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art, technology, and science. Through interactive elements and augmented reality technology, we offer immersive experiences that transcend traditional exhibition formats. By scanning a QR code next to each artwork, visitors unlock animated images based on the exhibited artworks, along with a wealth of informative content, delving deeper into the elemental mysteries that shape our world. With our collaborative efforts, we create innovative exhibitions that attract diverse audiences and spark interest in STEM subjects, and serve as a catalyst for sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and boosting scientific literacy.

Ethical use of AI:

It is important to highlight the fact that machines do not produce outputs of their own volition. AI does not get inspired; it acts upon instructions. Therefore, when addressing concerns about how AI will impact our communities, what is at issue is not so much how these machines will align their creations with human values, but rather how the humans who initiate and instruct them will align their goals with nurturing a better world.

Bearing that in mind, a rigorous ethical approach to the use of generative AI was used during the creative process for this exhibition: Names of living and productive human artists and their personal style of working were excluded from text prompts for AI. All machine generated images were significantly altered through the use of image editing software, being utilized in the tradition of “found art” as a source of “spare parts” for collages. Detailed records were kept which show the workflow for each image – from initial text prompts and base sketches and images, through the machine generation and image editing process, to the final artwork.

Conclusion:

At the heart of “Elementally AI” lies a commitment to education and outreach, empowering visitors to engage with art, creativity, and science in new and transformative ways. The essence of our humanity is illuminated not just by our intellect or achievements, but by the depth of our compassion, our unwavering commitment to nurturing civilization, and our relentless pursuit of equity. Through collaboration with technology museums, educational institutions, and community partners, we blaze new pathways for interdisciplinary exchange and mutual enrichment, cultivating a culture of inquiry and advancement.

As we stand on the cusp of a technological renaissance in art, culture, and education, let us embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. This exploration of our collective worth remains an open canvas, inviting each of us to contribute our own brushstrokes to the evolving masterpiece of human existence. Together, we celebrate the transformative power of art, technology, and science, and pave the way for a brighter and more enlightened future.

About the exhibition author:

Johnathan Andrew Roberts was born in 1974 in a small town close to Orlando, Florida. He has been creating artworks for more than 30 years, having undertaken diverse artistic projects in a wide variety of media.

His paintings, digital artworks and drawings have been shown in numerous venues within the United States and Europe, and most of his paintings are in private collections in the United States and Europe.

He has been a guest speaker on the topic of generative AI for art and communications at several universities, as well as leading generative art workshops at museums.

He is a founder of the Zagreb Art Kolektiv (ZARK), a not-for-profit organization focused on utilizing emerging technologies, particularly those related to mobile internet and machine learning, as a means of uniting artists, educators, IT specialists and business professionals for cultural, education and community outreach purposes. In collaboration with the Zagreb Museum of Contemporary Art, he has regularly facilitated creative workshops for people of all ages and walks of life.

Johnathan currently lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia, where he is the founder/director of Sekvoja Centar, a school for arts and languages. He is also a co-founder of Blue Marble Translations, an international language services company.