Giant Monster

A short talk about a new artwork based on Our Lady of Guadalupe, made in March 2022: an annotated transcript is below.
Made in Singapore!

Mark Chavez presents “Guadalupe,” a seminal artwork synthesized through the fusion of artificial intelligence and machine learning, techniques recently introduced to the global artistic milieu. This piece embarks on a post-modern exploration, repurposing the 16th-century work created under Jacobean priesthood influence, initially intended to manipulate fiscal flows from Spain to Mexico. This historical context is not merely referenced but is intricately woven into the fabric of the artwork through AI-driven reinterpretation.

In this work, the initial image – an appropriation of the original “Guadalupe” – serves as a foundational canvas onto which various cultural narratives and symbols are algorithmically mapped, creating a complex tapestry of historical and contemporary dialogues. The inherently iterative process employs “seeds” to generate numerous images, from which a curated selection is algorithmically evolved into a dynamic visual narrative spanning over 4,000 frames, culminating in an hour-long visual symphony. Chavez’s longstanding experience with computer animation since 1980 enriches this process, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge generative art.

The resulting artwork is a visual paradox, simultaneously revealing and concealing its myriad facets. From one vantage point, the iconic silhouette of the Guadalupe image emerges, intertwined with subliminal elements like luchadores – signifiers of Mexican cultural identity – and motifs of pop Latino surrealism. Yet, this piece transcends visual representation, an articulation crafted from words, a linguistic alchemy transforming text into visual spectacles. These textual elements echo the Florentine Codex, embodying a poignant commentary on cultural erasure and preservation.

Furthermore, this artwork transcends its aesthetic dimensions, embodying a symbolic “war banner” reflective of historical revolutions and contemporary socio-political discourses within Mexico. It is a personal and collective manifesto, a pastiche of the ongoing cultural and political narratives shaping our existence.

At its core, “Guadalupe” explores pareidolia, inviting viewers to discern faces and forms within its abstract tapestry – a metaphor for the subjective nature of perception and the elusive boundary between reality and illusion. This work is a visual experience and a cognitive journey, challenging viewers to engage with the layers of meaning and interpretation.

This project serves as a precursor to an envisioned short film, which will further delve into the possibilities of AI in art. Alongside partner professor Ina Conradi at NTU Singapore, Chavez stands at the forefront of nurturing a new wave of AI artists in SE Asia, marking the advent of a transformative era in the art world.