
Conversations with the Artificial I

"Conversations with the Artificial I" (2023), on display at Naess Gallery, Edmonton, April - May
Watch our Exhibit Walkthrough & Interview with Kim Fjordbotten on YouTube
This collection with Rick Rogers began as the continued exploration of “strangeness” in our previous collaboration, Home, Home on the Brink (2020). Our intent for Conversations with the Artificial I was to explore a new source of strangeness in the world: recent advancements in artificial intelligence.
That intention shifted a little as we progressed, inspired by new “collaborators” in our project, the text to image AI services of Midjourney and DALL-E 2, leveraging both their strengths and their weaknesses. We explored using these systems for generating, manipulating, modifying, and inspiring visual imagery. Our project became as much about using AI ethically as it was about creating compelling images.
The result is a collection of mixed-media, hand-built visual spaces that are contemplative and surreal.
We had a blast creating these together, and were inspired not only by images that these AI's created, but also by current conversations about the effect of AI image generators on our field of fine art & design…about legal & ethical considerations of AI (and collage in general)…about the exciting possibilities of AI at the same time as the terrible reality of not having control over technological progress and all it brings with it…and so many other things.

Tell Me Again, How Do Doors Work?
10” x 10”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers

Invertigo
10” x 10”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers

Are We There Yet?
10” x 10”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers

16 Well-Trodden Path
10” x 10”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers

Homo Ex Machina
24” x 36”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers

What's Behind Door #2?
10” x 10”
Mixed media on board
2023
Collaboration with Rick Rogers