The process of bisociation through the use of an AI image generator is showcased in the transformation of a painting by Dutch artist Herman Jacob van der Voort in de Betouw (1847-1902) into an expressionistic image of the Golden Gate Bridge after 20 generations of variations.
Bisociation is a creative process where two unrelated or distant elements are combined in a way that generates a new and unexpected idea or solution. Similarly, pro-active work with AI generated images involves exploring and combining different variations of an initial image in a way that generates new and unexpected visual outcomes.
In both cases, the process of combining seemingly unrelated elements creates a new perspective or insight. The constant flow of variations in AI-generated images provides a fertile ground for the human mind to make unexpected connections and associations.
However, it’s important to note that the AI-generated images are created through mathematical algorithms and don’t have conscious intentionality or understanding of their content. The same applies for the impressive images created on the base of the initial image, van der Voort’s painting.
The role of the creator in this process is significant, as they are the ones who make choices throughout the process that shape the final outcome. The choices made by the creator in selecting which variations to keep, discard, or further modify can be seen as a parallel bisociative creation process in cooperation with the AI.
The creator’s subjective interpretation and aesthetic preferences also come into play in this process. In this way, the process of bisociation through the use of an AI image generator is not solely reliant on mathematical algorithms, but is a collaborative process between the AI, the creator, and the viewer’s subjective interpretation and attribution of meaning. The result is a new and original image that is the product of both technological innovation and human creativity.
The variations of the AI generator (DALLE E 2) are “blind” in terms of content. Their assumed meaning is purely subjective meaning-creation by the viewer.
