How do you approach creating a new artwork?
Previously, I used to label each new idea as a "project," and I had many of them, but not every project reached the completion stage. Very often, during the process, the project would transform, change, or become uninteresting and meaningless. Now I have changed my approach. I simply create, shoot, and then look at the material and think about what it represents. Either way, I search for the same things and phenomena wherever I am. These are transitional states, magical everyday realism, and otherworldliness within ordinary things.
I often let the material settle, and then the sand settles, the water becomes transparent, and it becomes clear what to do next.
Can you describe the techniques you use in your artwork?
Perhaps the main technique is taking a lot of photographs. You could call me a "photo maniac" haha, if that's an appropriate term. I have many cameras, and I love having the opportunity to work with different types of imagery: film, digital, toy cameras, low-resolution cameras—I'm interested in it all. I enjoy combining, juxtaposing, and observing how the images influence one another.
I also enjoy working with physical materials: printing, drawing on top, folding, rephotographing, and so on. It adds another layer of creativity and exploration to my process.
Do you primarily work with visual art or do you engage in other mediums as well?
My primary focus is on visual media. I primarily work with photography, but I also dabble in video art from time to time. I would love to dedicate more time to it, and I hope that opportunity will arise in the future.
How does your creative process differ from traditional artists?
This is a complex question. I believe the main difference lies in context and thinking processes (attention deficit and fragmented thinking). It's challenging to focus on something big and overarching, so I tend to work on smaller projects that I can actually complete, even though they may stretch over the years.
I enjoy combining seemingly incompatible elements, although artists before me have also done so. For example, I find great inspiration in the works of Robert Frank, where he merges images, text, illusions, and drawings on top of the images. I love the multi-layered nature of his work. It's like a fractal that you keep diving into. I aspire to achieve that level of depth in my own creations.
Can you explain how you are able to learn and adapt to new styles and types of artwork?
The most valuable skill in life (which was not taught to me in school) is adaptability and a willingness to learn. The world is rapidly changing, and in order to not be left behind, it's essential to stay updated on technological advancements and incorporate them into one's practice. Embracing new styles and art forms requires an open mind and a curiosity to explore and experiment. By actively seeking knowledge, observing trends, attending workshops, and engaging with fellow artists, I strive to continuously learn and adapt to new styles and forms of art. It's an ongoing process of growth and discovery that keeps my creative journey dynamic and exciting.
How do you use technology in your creative process?
With the emergence of AI (still in its early stages), I initially used it to generate humorous images, but that was about it. However, in the past year, AI has made significant advancements (for instance, I am currently using GPT chat to translate this interview, as it has become my regular assistant), and I have started actively integrating AI into my creative process.
When I left Russia, I found myself without the opportunity to photograph people, so I began generating them using my own photographs as references. This allowed me to create several shoots for a brand I was working with and continue my visual explorations. Technology, including AI, has provided me with new avenues to expand my creative possibilities and explore innovative approaches in my artistic practice. It has become an essential tool for generating ideas, enhancing my workflow, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression.
Can you discuss any particular challenges you have faced as an AI artist?
One notable challenge is that AI often struggles with rendering hands accurately. While efforts are being made to improve this aspect, it doesn't bother me much personally, as my goal is not to create hyper-realistic images.
There is always a significant degree of uncertainty, but that's true for any form of artistic creation, including traditional photography. When I have a specific concept in mind, I strive to refine my requests and carefully observe how the AI understands and interprets them. Sometimes, in the process, something unexpected emerges, and it can turn out to be even more intriguing than my initial plan.
In essence, it's still a creative process, albeit with the assistance of a different tool. Currently, I find great interest in crafting narratives and series using images because combining visuals allows for a more precise conveyance of ideas, atmosphere, and concepts. It opens up new possibilities for storytelling through a visual medium.
Do you believe that AI-generated artwork can have the same emotional resonance as human-generated art?
I believe that artworks created by artificial intelligence have the potential to evoke similar emotional responses as those created by humans. The experience of art and the emotional connection it fosters are subjective, relying on individual preferences and perceptions. It doesn't matter whether the artistic expression comes from a human or an AI; what matters is the impact it has on the viewer and the emotional resonance it elicits. Ultimately, the power of art lies in its ability to touch our hearts and provoke meaningful responses, regardless of its origin.
How do you see the role of AI in the future of art?
I envision that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a significant role in the future of art. It can offer new possibilities and perspectives for artists, expand creative boundaries, and inspire the creation of unique works. AI can help in shaping new art forms and provide artists with new tools and techniques to express their ideas.
Additionally, AI can be utilized for data analysis, information processing, and the creation of interactive artificial installations. It can assist in producing personalized artworks tailored to individual viewer preferences. AI can also facilitate collaboration among artists and enhance the accessibility of art to a broader audience.
However, it's important to note that the role of AI in art should be complementary to human creativity rather than replacing it. The interaction between humans and AI can lead to new and innovative forms of art that evoke deep emotional and cultural responses from viewers. The human-AI collaboration has the potential to bring forth novel artistic expressions that push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations you are working on?
Currently, I'm going through a challenging period of immigration, with constant relocations that make it difficult to work on something with focused attention. However, I maintain a visual diary wherever I go, continuing my exploration of photography at the intersection of documentary and fashion. Prior to my departure, I was actively engaged in researching teenagers and adolescence, and I am continuing to pursue this direction. I hope that in the future, this will take on a physical form.
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