Automatic Landscapes:

Exploring the Art of Jean Paul Riopelle through AI

Initiated by the Jean Paul Riopelle Foundation and in collaboration with the Department of Canadian Heritage and Culture pour tous, Riopelle Dialogues celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle. The ambitious Canada-wide program features artists from coast-to-coast, showcasing nine cultural mediation projects for Canadians of all ages to discover or rediscover the world-renowned artist’s oeuvre and legacy. 

ECAH has partnered with the artist collective artBiin (Laura-Beth McDonald and Juan Ramirez pictured on the left) will help the public (re)discover the work of Canadian painter Jean Paul Riopelle through their project titled Automatic Landscapes: Exploring the Art of Jean Paul Riopelle through AI that will be on display at the Malahat Skywalk from June - September, 2023. 

The project centres around a series of workshops, where participants are invited to learn about the life and work of Riopelle, and use Artificial Intelligence-image generator Midjourney to reimagine the artist’s work in a modern context. Using descriptive language prompts and activities designed to educate participants around AI capabilities, the final exhibit will display large-scale pieces set within the stunning landscape of the Skywalk’s 600-meter tall treewalk. Visitors will walk through the forest and view the Riopelle-inspired works, while learning about Riopelle’s life and artistic repertoire.

 FAQs

While AI-image generators create many opportunities for creative exploration, we wanted to acknowledge the challenges and ethics around AI-generated images and address concerns we have heard from our community. 

  • We are using AI-generated images for educational purposes (fair use); profit is not being made off of the images and/or the exhibition of the images

    We are using AI as a tool to understand and explore the artistic style and legacy of Jean Paul Riopelle and exploring art history terminology / visual language used to create prompts

    Through this particular project we are increasing youth access to new technology and the arts and removing barriers to creativity for participants who may not have artistic technical skills, but wish to participate in a collective art experience

    Each final image will be accompanied by an interpretive panel that clearly explains that (1) AI was used to generate the image, and (2) the exact language prompt used to create the image

  • We want to acknowledge that these statements reflect our current understanding of AI-image generators, but also want to note that this technology is quickly evolving and our attitudes may change as more developments are made in this sector.

    AI-generated images can be problematic, especially in commercial contexts and/or when AI tools are not disclosed as part of the creative process

    All AI-generated images must be available publicly and under an open source license by default

    The public in general must be aware of the capabilities of AI algorithms so that they can identify AI-generated images and prevent the spread of misinformation

    AI presents a low-barrier opportunity for creative expression for people who may lack traditional artistic skills; it is an opportunity to visualize creative ideas, generate reference photos, create photo collages and composite images of one’s own work, among many other ethical uses

    Technological literacy is becoming a necessity for all professional fields and the widening tech gap places many artists at a disadvantage; learning about new technology and educating artists around these tools is important; educating artists on the benefits and drawbacks of AI is important

    AI image generated images are part of a rapidly evolving field and steps are being made to prevent artistic infringement, more work needs to be done here and it is important for artists and organizations to advocate for better models, consent, ethical use and attribution

    While many artists have expressed well-founded concerns about using AI-generated images, we feel this technology is not going to disappear and are prioritizing providing education, awareness and holding conversations around this technology

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