These times, AI can be one’s personal assistant, friend, or colleague. It can help you visualize your thoughts and ideas in a way never seen before. The world literally rests on the fingertips, which is neither bad nor good.
Croatian artist and photographer Filip Koludrovic reflects on AI in his new extraordinary book I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AMERICA which fearlessly challenges conventional norms within the realm of photography. In an age where only documentary and journalistic images are typically considered unaltered, Koludrovic takes a bold step forward by harnessing AI to produce compelling visuals that draw from these established domains.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AMERICA
Courtesy of FILIP KOLUDROVIC
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AMERICA
Courtesy of FILIP KOLUDROVIC
hube: Can you tell us a bit more about the way I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AMERICA book explores the relationship between AI and visual storytelling?
Filip Koludrovic: Of course, I believe it showcases a way to go further with our creativity with significantly fewer physical limitations. Painting a portrait was a much longer process, photography changed that and I truly believe the next step is AI. We are getting closer and closer to a moment where the visions in our imagination could be instantly transported to a screen. This book follows a photographer (me) as he visits the States for the first time (without every physical being there). What would usually take me months or maybe years to document, situations I could not maybe not even access I could witness in my mind and therefore could “photograph” it with the help of AI.
h: The book addresses the role of human creativity and interpretation in photography. Could you start by outlining what inspired you to create it and why you chose America?
FK: I think mostly it addresses the transaction between humanity to Artificial Intelligence, the voyage is a metaphor. Human creativity is always the center, this is just another form of expression.
I chose America because of multiple reasons. First of all, it’s a country you are invested not always by your own personal choice. Black Lives Matter, a 70 year old grandma in my small village in Croatia is talking about it. President Trump holds a press conference, someone is sharing memes on the other part of the world, earthquakes, fires, Hollywood, TV shows, school shootings, Kardashians, Music Videos and ofcourse, the American flag. Everyone in the world knows it, everyone knows about 9/11. So I decided to visit the land I know so much about, I decided to go Trick or Treat, decided to go see college dorms, join a fraternity, sleep in a camp trailer, drink with rednecks, all of it while sitting in my rooftop apartment in Paris on a rainy night.