In the vast realm of digital design, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how we conceive and create images. One of the recent and intriguing experiments in this field was conducted with Photoshop's AI using a practice that I called "NO PROMPT." This approach allowed me to surpass the visual limits of images by extending the original frame to create an imaginative and astonishing panorama not “made by humans”
Above is the original image of Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to fly in space, climbing into her capsule, Vostok 6 taken in 1963 within the white frame. Outside the frame, however, there is what the Photoshop AI has "seen" and generated starting from the real image. It is curious how there is no direct connection or reference with space or spaceships but a sort of "sci-fi Martian environment" typical of a cinematic and "Hollywood" panorama
But how does Photoshop's AI work in this context? Let's start from the basics: the image within the white frame is the actual starting photo. The AI uses this portion as a starting point, extending it without specific instructions to generate the rest of the image. Essentially, the AI "imagines" what could exist beyond the initial boundaries, filling the space with new elements created from its logic and visual interpretation.
This methodology offers an expanded perspective beyond the original image, based on the AI's autonomous processing. It analyzes the details and structures in the initial image to produce a coherent and imaginative representation of the extended area. It adds creative elements and new perspectives without being guided by specific instructions (prompts), allowing the visualization of an expanded space enriched with new details and imaginative spaces.
The results of these experiments were astonishing, reinterpreting iconic artworks and famous scenes in unique and unexpected ways. For instance, the Mona Lisa revealed unimaginable spaces, while artworks by artists such as De Chirico and Van Gogh transformed into contemporary pieces in larger settings.
Above, inside the white corince of the famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci the "Mona Lisa", outside the frame we find the entire environment recreated by Photoshop's artificial intelligence around the famous model. It is amazing how most of Da Vinci's artistic traits were strongly respected and encapsulated in the expanded artwork generated without any prompts from the AI.
Metaphysical work by Giorgio De Chirico "“The disturbing muses” of 1928 expanded and reimagined by the Generative AI process. A coherent space but one that expands the meanings of the work or at least its "horizons".
This "NO PROMPT" experiment demonstrates the potential of AI to autonomously create visual content, offering an innovative perspective in the world of digital design and art. It is an exploration of the infinite possibilities of AI in the creative field, inviting us to consider new perspectives and approaches in the image and design creation process.
This experiment marks the beginning of an exciting journey in the world of design guided by artificial intelligence. We will continue to explore these potentials, driven by curiosity towards the countless opportunities offered by this collaboration, pushing the boundaries of design and creativity.
Photoshop's AI is a system powered by artificial neural networks, trained to recognize and manipulate images. This software works by analyzing details and patterns in the starting image, using a technique called "intelligent filling" to extend what lies outside the initial frame. In "NO PROMPT," the image within the white frame represents the actual starting photo.
Photoshop's AI uses this portion as a base, extending it without specific instructions to generate the rest of the image. In practice, the AI "imagines" what could exist beyond the initial boundaries, filling the space with new elements created from its own logic and visual interpretation. This process offers an expansion of the image beyond what was initially photographed, enriching the scene with new imaginative details and spaces. It is not just about reproducing reality but exploring new visions and perspectives that go beyond conventional expectations, showcasing the potential of AI in the field of digital design and art.
The famous self-portrait of Van Gogh inside the white frame is expanded and imagined by the AI with brushstrokes similar to those of the artist and intent on holding a kind of lantern with a glow in the night. A new way in which a machine imagines the problematic Dutch artist.
The famous scene from Disney's Lion King of Mufasa's death expanded by the AI with a different style that makes it more "dark" and "abstract". Certainly far from the typical Disney style but with the addition of a definitely more noir and tragic flavor.
AI has disrupted the paradigm of "prompt" in artificial intelligence. Traditionally, a "prompt" is an instruction or guidance given to an AI model to direct its output. However, "NO PROMPT" challenges this practice, allowing Photoshop's AI to explore beyond without any specific guidelines.
The "NO PROMPT" journey through the creative expanses of artificial intelligence unveils a world where boundaries blur, and innovation thrives. It's a testament to the infinite possibilities when technology and imagination intertwine, transcending the conventional confines of art and design. As we stand on the brink of this digital renaissance, it's imperative to acknowledge the transformative potential lying within our grasp. The collaboration between human creativity and AI algorithms heralds a new era where design isn't just about creation; it's about redefining what's possible.
The famous close-up photo of Salvador Dali's iconic mustache taken by Philippe Halsman inside the white frame is expanded by changing the focus of attention from the tips of the mustache to a whole new context which, in my opinion, maintains that surrealism that accompanies the artist throughout his life but radically changing the way of reading this iconic photograph.
The Beatles crossing the famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing (inside the white frame) become pedestrians in danger in the "imagination" of the AI which sees a motorbike launched at speed against the most famous musical quartet in the world.
The photo was taken by Arthur Sasse in 1951, Einstein's 72nd birthday. In the original uncropped photo, we can see Einstein sitting in the car, between his wife Elsa and Dr. Frank Aydelotte, but the closeup of the language that the scientist requested in multiple copies to send to friends (inside the white corince) is famous, the AI it reinterprets the context surrounding the iconic shot in a rather strange way by imagining faces and ghosts shaking hands. The visual adaptation that makes everything look like an old crumpled photo is perfectly consistent with the source image.
In this "NO PROMPT" experimentation a contemporary figure like the American President Joe Biden could not be missing, his close-up inside the white frame is the starting photo on which the AI, without any indication or instruction, reconstructed a hilarious situation " dandy" of the well-known president intent on celebrating in clothes that were decidedly more "casual" than usual.
Marilyn Monroe intent on smoking a cigarette inside the white frame was reconstructed by the AI with a long unique knitted dress (certainly not in line with the historical era and the dress code of the famous actress) and shoes in shades of purple that (in my opinion) they don't go well with the iconic red lipstick of the iconic character. But this is what she "saw" the car and there is no need to intervene to change it.
Country singer Johnny Cash in a 1970 shot by Dillan Stradlin inside the white frame was interpreted by the AI as fleeing from a shady situation in a bad alley. Probably in line with what we perceive of the artist in that period but who knows if this is what the AI "thought".
Tha iconic scene from the film "Home Alone" where Kevin Mccallister (Macaulay Culkin) in the white corince is reimagined by the AI in a context that is certainly less "funny" than the real film, almost touching on a contemporary horror film with "shining" nuances rather than similar to the colossal Christmas comedy that we all know.
I think it's important for creators, designers, artists and innovators of every spectrum to embrace and play with this exciting frontier of Generative AI. Experiment, explore and imagine the unexplored territories also offered by a strategy such as "NO PROMPT". Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to push the boundaries of creativity should not be seen as something wrong or unprofessional but as another possible co-pilot of visual design that can streamline the flow and work process (as long as it remains the co-pilot and never the pilot of the planning).
This is absolutely not to ignore the ethical implications and responsible use of artificial intelligence in art and design. The ethical and thoughtful application of this technology will determine its role in shaping our creative landscape in the future.
The closeup of the iconic look of the player Fabio Grosso before taking the penalty that would have given Italy the world cup in 2006 inside the white frame seen by the AI as something distant from football, a mix between skating and breakdancing that leaves many doubts (especially if you are a fan of the Italian national team).
From painting to sculpture, the statue of Augustus of Prima Porta which portrays the full figure of Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire (inside the white frame) has been reimagined in a somewhat grotesque and contemporary way by the AI making it more comical than solemn (in my opinion).
The famous "meme" distracted by boyfriend inside the white frame, where the boy is intent on observing a beautiful passerby, was significantly modeled by the vision of the AI which gave new (and in my opinion less comical) meanings to the image.
Thank you for your time. Let's create and explore.
Love, BOB.
