Reimagining Histories Through AI: The Black Ship Sculpture

AI Tool(s) Used

• MidJourney v2: This AI tool was used to generate initial conceptual diagrams based on the artist’s exploration of historical ships like Slave Ships, Refugee Ships, and Treasure Ships.
• 3D Design Software: AI-generated images were transformed into a 3D-printed physical sculpture.
• Geolocation & AR Tools: For geolocated digital sculptures and murals as part of the installation.

Description of Result

The final result, “Black Ship,” is a 3D-printed sculpture inspired by the AI-generated imagery from MidJourney v2. It was sculpted from materials like wood composite and UV resin, reflecting a ship that embodies both historical trauma and resilience. The sculpture was displayed at the Centre Pompidou exhibition and integrates physical and digital mediums, including augmented reality elements. The AI-generated diagrams guided the artist toward physical form, but the true essence lies in the artist’s interpretation and craft, bringing forth an emotional, historical representation.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Initial Concept: The artist sought to explore the dark historical subjects of Slave Ships, Refugee Ships, and Treasure Ships using AI, something difficult to imagine fully on their own.

2. AI Diagram Generation: MidJourney v2 was used to generate conceptual diagrams. Initially, terms like “slave” were permitted, but later censorship of such keywords halted updates to the AI’s imagery.

3. Selection & Interpretation: The AI diagrams served as inspiration rather than the focus. The artist used these visuals as a reference to design and build a physical sculpture, interpreting the forms generated by AI into a “Black Ship.”

4. Sculpture Creation: Using 3D-printing technology combined with materials like wood composite, clay, and resin, the artist brought their vision to life, adding symbolic elements like sisal twine and lead.

5. Digital Expansion: The project included a geolocated digital sculpture and AR experiences, extending the physical sculpture into the digital space for wider audience interaction.

Tips & Tricks

• Let AI Inspire but Don’t Let it Dictate: Use AI-generated art as a starting point, but don’t rely on it for the final product. The true artistry comes in the interpretation and transformation into physical form.
• Censorship Considerations: If sensitive topics are being explored, be mindful of how certain keywords may become restricted in AI systems over time.
• Combine Physical and Digital: Use digital tools like geolocation and AR to expand the reach of physical art installations, allowing for greater interaction and immersion.

Annotation

“Black Ship” represents a deeply human process of engaging with history through both AI and traditional craftsmanship. The AI tool MidJourney v2 provided abstract visual starting points, but the real creative effort came from the artist’s interpretation of these diagrams into a tactile, meaningful sculpture. This blend of AI and human skill illuminates the potential for technology to aid in exploring difficult subjects, like the history of slavery and migration, in ways that make them tangible, emotionally impactful, and relevant today. The work underscores how AI can be a tool for confronting historical inhumanities, while the artist’s hand remains essential in shaping their expression.

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