Out of Mind: The Thinker Holding a Cell Phone

AI Tool(s) Used

• MidJourney V4 and V6: Both versions were used to create and refine the series of images, with V6 ultimately producing the final result.

Description of Result

The result is a black-and-white digital print titled “Out of Mind”, part of the “Out of the Dark” series. This series reimagines The Thinker statue in a modern context—holding a cell phone. The final pieces have a dramatic contrast, with rich blacks achieved on Hahnemühle paper, adding depth and weight to the conceptual imagery.

The series is described as thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to reflect on the integration of modern technology into classical art, while questioning the nature of thought and connection in the digital age.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Initial Concept: Jason M. Allen began with the humorous and reflective idea of The Thinker statue holding a cell phone. Initially using MidJourney V4, he created several iterations of this concept but found that they didn’t fully meet his vision.
2. Creative Pause: He stepped away from the project for a while, letting the idea linger until he was inspired by another statue image bathed in light.
3. MidJourney V6: Upon this inspiration, Allen revisited his idea and used MidJourney V6 to generate the final version of “Out of Mind”, successfully capturing the dramatic lighting and striking visual contrast he envisioned.
4. Print Production: The series was printed on Hahnemühle paper, known for its high-quality texture and ability to hold rich black tones, further enhancing the visual impact of the prints.
5. Release & Promotion: The series was released online, accompanied by an article detailing the artistic process, available on his website for purchase.

Tips & Tricks

• Iterate on Your Ideas: Don’t settle on the first version of your creation. AI tools like MidJourney are powerful, but revisiting concepts after a break can lead to more refined results.
• Use High-Quality Materials: When printing digital art, selecting the right paper (like Hahnemühle) can drastically elevate the visual appeal of the artwork, particularly for contrast-heavy pieces.
• Draw from Multiple Inspirations: Combining different elements, such as classic sculptures and modern technology, can lead to unexpected and thought-provoking results.

Annotation

Jason M. Allen’s “Out of Mind” reimagines The Thinker, a symbol of contemplation, holding a smartphone—a device often associated with distraction. This creates a sharp contrast, offering a commentary on how modern life pulls us in different directions: deep thought versus constant connectivity. By placing a cell phone in the hands of such a powerful figure, Allen invites the viewer to reflect on how technology influences our thought processes and interactions with the world.

Using MidJourney to generate the concept allowed him to experiment with different styles and lighting until he achieved the perfect blend of humor, thoughtfulness, and artistic beauty. This piece shows how classical art can be recontextualized through AI to engage with contemporary themes, offering a timeless reflection on the digital age.

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