Unstable Diffusion
Critiquing the current use of AI in generative art
Overview
For my final project in the Creative Tech and Design program, I created an interactive installation called Unstable Diffusion. The installation explores the potential dangers and implications of AI image generation models and challenges viewers to question the reliability and biases of these models. As an artist, my work explores the intersection of technology and society, and I wanted to create an installation that would encourage critical thinking and conversation around the impact of technology on our world.
Artist Statement
An installation that raises questions about the ethics and authenticity of AI in
generating art by reproducing the styles of artists without their consent.
How it works
To create the installation, I used TouchDesigner, a Python-based real-time software. I also used the OpenAI Whisper model for voice-to-text translation, ChatGPT to make the spoken prompt more creative and expressive, Stable Diffusion to take the prompt and make it into an image, and a webcam as input for Stable Diffusion AI image generation. I had to learn about various AI generation models, TouchDesigner coding with Python and making the user interface with code, how to integrate API models inside TouchDesigner, and how to make them talk to each other. I also had to learn about AI trends and how to prompt correctly to get the best results.
Walkthrough
Audience Experience
Audience Generated Videos
Takeaways
One of the biggest challenges I faced was making all the different AI models talk to each other and create a cohesive output in real time. I resolved this challenge through trial and error and user testing. Another challenge was figuring out an artistic statement and purpose for the project that resonated with people and made an impact. I resolved this challenge by talking about my project with classmates, mentors, and getting feedback.
Overall, my biggest takeaway from this project was the importance of collaboration, iteration, and experimentation in the creative process. I learned that it's essential to be open to pivoting and changing directions when necessary and to seek out feedback from others. The project also taught me that technology has the power to shape our world in profound ways, and it's up to us to use it for good and to consider the ethical implications of our actions.