Canadian Abstracts #2

Canadian Abstracts #3

Jordan Shaw 

Canadian Abstracts #2

Date: 2020

Duration: 07:12 min

Medium: Algorithmic Generated Video.

Size: 1024px x 1024px

Canadian Abstracts ​ #2 is a continuation of the machine learning series I’ve been working on over the last few years. Pretty excited to have been able to get the GAN network to produce higher resolution video.

Canadian Abstracts ​ is an exploration of computational creativity focused on the relationships with nature and our environment. ​ Canadian Abstracts ​ uses a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) which is a type of Artificial Intelligence. This algorithm is trained on ~10,000 artworks by all members of the Group of Seven. Through the visual exploration of these new Canadian Landscapes, does our own understanding and view of Canada, it’s wilderness and our environment match that of the algorithms? Are these A.I. landscapes familiar to you? Could these landscapes really exist? Or might these images only be the dreams of a technological system that is trying to understand our physical world?

Canadian Abstracts #3

Date: 2020

Duration: 03:55 min

Medium: Algorithmic Generated Video.

Size: 1024px x 1024px

Canadian Abstracts #3 ​ is an exploration of computational creativity focused on the relationships with nature and our environment. ​ Canadian Abstracts #2 ​ uses a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) which is a type of Artificial Intelligence. This algorithm is trained on ~5000 pieces of work by Lawren Harris. Once trained, the A.I. is able to generate and output its own images to express its understanding of the Canadian wilderness. Then by allowing the algorithm to move through latent space, these output images become animated as it travels between data points within its imagination. Through the visual exploration of these new Canadian Landscapes, does our own understanding and view of Canada, it’s wilderness and our environment match that of the algorithms? Are these A.I. landscapes familiar to you? Could these landscapes really exist? Or might these images only be the dreams of a technological system that is trying to understand our physical world?