We Should Continue To Talk About The Ethics Of Web Scraping. But It's Very Possible To Train A Model
we should continue to talk about the ethics of web scraping. but it's very possible to train a model only on public domain images - CC0 photos, works by long dead artists - and still get interesting, beautiful output. this is an uncomfortable fact, but it's also a hopeful one.
it's not enough to put a modern subject in the style of someone ancient. good! it's not enough to juxtapose two contrasting concepts for shock value. good! it's not enough to 'blaspheme' an established art tradition by making a small alteration. good! we can no longer rely too heavily on the prominence of other artists without having anything much new to say ourselves. good!
new developments in art always come of saying "the old ways are no longer enough". this is no different - possibly, it is easier. the old masters we challenge today are neural nets. stacks of linear algebra in a trench coat.
we're better. we can 'train' ourselves by mindfully consuming art which influences (with far more nuance and warmth) what we create. we can choose which of the 'datasets' we've been fed to draw from and which to ignore.
every artist is asking themself - what can I do that an AI cannot? how can I infuse my work with humanity? and I'm hopeful for what that will bring about.
will there be increased interest in physical media, where the limitations of the materials and the artist's body are more tangible in the work?
will we lean on longer forms - series of paintings, illustrated novels, comics - with complicated storylines and a requirement for consistent representation of characters and concepts?
will we begin to make, display and consume art in ways that emphasize the process of making it?
will we reject mass produced items in favor of forming connections with artists and makers?
will we choose to express incisive messages - precise, complicated ideas that go beyond vague associations between metadata tags sifted from a sentence prompt?
god. I hope we will.
More Posts from Kritastrophe and Others
saint catherine of siena. here’s to conquering our demons in 2021
The Fourteen Holy Helpers, Part II/II
since many have strong feelings regarding this illustration:
This is not a literal statement. This is a poem from Woman Hating by Andrea Dworkin. It is meant (as I interpret it) to draw attention to patterns in the way women are portrayed in legends, histories, folktales, religions. "Well Jezebel was actually evil!!" is missing the point. Is there a similarity between Pandora and Eve? Is it relevant that the ascent and downfall of Bathsheba and Vashti respectively pivoted on a king's gaze? The women who appear in Arthurian legend are mostly seductresses who create obstacles for the heroes - does this call Circe to mind? Is there a reason why the primary aspect of many female religious figures is their virginity, or motherhood, or both? Are there common ways these women obtain and wield power in their narratives? What attributes make them famous or infamous?
The poem does not say "all these women were reviled as witches". It asks you to think about who authored, recorded, and taught the stories they come from. That is a valuable thing to do with any story, whether or not you agree with Andrea's poem or with her feminism.
and they had this in common: that they were feared, hated, desired, and worshiped - woman hating, a.d.
the idea of distortion in my head is closely linked to watching old VHS tapes so I imagine Michael as the embodiment of Vaporwave AestheticTM
(tap for hq i beg you)
Hi kritastrophe, would you ever consider making the “Once upon a time there was a wicked witch” art into a print or something? Because if so I would absolutely spend money on that. (P.S. It’s cool if you don’t want too, it’s your art after all!)
Absolutely! I’m thrilled that you like it. Find it in my shiny new redbubble store!
Questions From a Worker Who Reads by Bertolt Brecht
Part I/II
for your consideration:
If the boop were connected to some kind of machine that generates electricity, today Tumblr users would be able to uninterruptedly illuminate some small town
Honestly, the plot of Chess is so absolutely absurd and wonderful that I can’t recommend it more. It’s basically all about Cold War politics through an interpersonal lens but I wouldn’t exactly say it’s done well.
I’ve been obsessed since middle school.
then you will be happy to know that I caved and watched it! I have not been the same person since...
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