Latest news with #digitalart
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Charles Sandison Illuminates The Oracle With AI
Charles Sandison, The Garden of Pythia, 2025, PCAI artwork commission in Delphi, Greece Photo Maria Toultsa. Courtesy of PCAI Finland-based British artist Charles Sandison doesn't just work with light and language – he composes with code. Long before digital art became fashionable, he was programming a Sinclair ZX81 computer in the remote north of Scotland in the early '80s, teaching himself to code at age 12, while drawing and painting as his primary way of expressing himself. At a time when computers were alien to most households and new media was scarcely taught in art schools, Sandison forged his own hybrid language of software and symbolism. His breakthrough came in 2001 at the Venice Biennale, and since then, his computer-generated video projections have illuminated the Catacombs of Paris, the facade of the Oslo Opera House and museums across the world. Sandison's latest – and perhaps most profound – work, 'The Garden of Pythia', is nestled on the ancient slopes of Delphi, Greece, at Pi, Global Center for Circular Economy and Culture. Commissioned by the Polygreen Culture & Art Initiative (PCAI), an organization merging culture and ecology founded by Greek entrepreneur Athanasios Polychronopoulos, the installation draws a poetic parallel between today's artificial intelligence and the 8th-century B.C. Oracle of Delphi known as Pythia. Powered by AI-driven code and projected onto the hillside, the work pulses with ancient texts, fragments of Delphic statues, digital symbols and environmental data. For Sandison, it marks his deepest engagement yet with AI, blending myth, code and memory into a living landscape. Kika Kyriakakou, PCAI Artistic Director, says, 'Sandison's new work echoes in the most refined manner PCAI's environmental mission and our dedication to contemporary art. We are pleased to have commissioned this immersive, real-time computer-generated installation that exemplifies Sandison's sculptural approach towards moving image and information technology, along with his deep concern for nature protection, human and non-human communication and cultural heritage.' Sandison speaks about growing up in the Scottish Highlands, coding as a creative language and his latest project, 'The Garden of Pythia'. Installation view of PCAI's newly commissioned work The Garden of Pythia by Charles Sandison, at Pi, Global Center for Circular Economy and Culture in Delphi, Greece Photo Maria Toultsa. Courtesy of PCAI You originally planned to move to Berlin. How did you end up in Finland instead? I studied at the Glasgow School of Art in the late '80s and early '90s, and even taught there briefly. In 1995, I was planning to move to Berlin to set up a studio. I felt I'd been in Glasgow long enough and wanted to see what life in Berlin might offer. On the way, I had a short detour for an exhibition in Finland – just two weeks, I thought. That was 30 years ago. I'm still there. I guess I'm someone drawn to northern places. Wherever you find a 'north', give a shout – Charles will probably be up a mountain somewhere, messing about with projectors and code. That's my thing. What was your early relationship with technology like? I grew up in a remote part of northern Scotland. My parents were a bit hippie-ish and believed isolation was good for the soul. If it doesn't drive you mad, you find ways to occupy yourself. In the early '80s, home microcomputers – 8-bit machines – started appearing. My best friend from age 12 until I left for art school was a little Sinclair ZX81. I taught myself to code. At the same time, I was always drawing and painting. Those were my first ways of speaking to the world. How did you connect art and code as one language? It was around that time a light bulb went off in my head: painting, drawing and writing computer code – they're the same thing to me. That realization shaped my artistic practice for years. What made you shift from museum installations to more site-specific, outdoor work? My early installations were mostly in 'white cube' galleries. But after years of traveling and installing work in the same kind of museum spaces, I realized I wasn't that interested in those interiors. I began making peripheral works – sketches of a kind, using light and code – in sites around the world. In Rome, for example, while installing work at the MAXXI Museum, I asked to access the Farnese Gardens by night so I could experiment with projections. If you work with digital art, you can't just pull out a sketchbook. You have to invent new ways to sketch using light and code. I've done that in the Catacombs of Paris, on the mountainside outside Seoul, and very quickly, those peripheral works became more interesting to me than the museum shows. Charles Sandison, Opera of the Sea, 2019, Oslo Opera House, 6 projectors, 6 computers, C++ code, variable dimensions Photo courtesy of the artist, Kulturbyrået Mesén, Finsk-norsk kulturinstitutt, Den Norske Opera & Ballett How did 'The Garden of Pythia' come about? The project really began in 2020 with a show at Bernier/Eliades in Athens – right in a small window between lockdowns. One of the very few people who saw it was Athanasios Polychronopoulos. He came up to me and said, 'I've got a place I think you'd be interested in.' And that was the beginning. We kept talking over the years, ping-ponging ideas, until we finally got to the business of installing the work here. Being in Delphi feels natural to me. It reminds me of the small, remote communities I grew up in – places where the past and present collide, where survival is pragmatic, but history lives in the landscape. What was it like working on-site at Delphi? I can only work at night. My installations don't come alive until the sun goes down. So over the last few visits, I've spent my nights up on the hillside, just me, computers, code and light. My wife said it looked like Frankenstein's mountain lab – sparks flashing in the dark. But it's in those moments, alone in the landscape, that everything connects. That's when the work really happens. You've spoken about using AI in your work. How do you see your role as an artist engaging with such advanced technologies? I'm not evangelistic about AI. I don't think every artist needs to use it. But I happen to have been born at a time with a certain skill set that lets me dive deep into the mechanics of AI and computer code. If you have that ability as an artist, I think it's important to engage with it, understand it and even shape it. I've visited places like Google Labs in London and spoken with engineers – people building this landscape. Most of the public doesn't really know what AI is or how it works. I feel like my role isn't to explain it technically, but to act as an intermediary. I'm not giving an education – I'm offering an experience. For me, it's like a transfer of experience, similar to how a painting silently communicates in a museum. That's what I try to do with AI in my work. And really, the model of AI is much older than we think. It began in places like the Temple of Apollo with the Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims would come from all over the known world, bringing questions: Should we marry? Go to war? They'd climb the hill, present their offerings and receive a cryptic answer from behind a screen. That was a kind of machine intelligence too – a biomythic one, but artificial nonetheless. It's fascinating how that structure echoes in the way we interact with AI today.
Geeky Gadgets
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
25 Color Pair Prompts for Stunning Midjourney 7 Artwork and Images
Have you ever wondered why some digital artworks seem to effortlessly captivate, while others fall flat? The secret often lies in something deceptively simple: color pairing. The right combination of hues can transform an image, evoking powerful emotions, creating balance, and guiding the viewer's eye. For Midjourney 7 users, where creativity meets innovative AI, mastering this art is more than just a skill—it's a gateway to unlocking the full potential of your designs. Whether you're striving for serene minimalism or bold, high-contrast drama, the colors you choose can make or break your visual storytelling. And here's the exciting part: you don't need to start from scratch. With 25 expertly curated color pair prompts, you'll have a treasure trove of inspiration to elevate your creations. Thaeyne explains how intentional color choices can breathe life into your Midjourney 7 projects. Each pairing is more than a suggestion—it's a creative spark, designed to help you explore new themes, refine your artistic voice, and push boundaries. From the calming elegance of Lavender and Mint Green to the daring vibrancy of Fuchsia and Lime Green, these combinations are tailored to suit a variety of moods and styles. But this isn't just about aesthetics; it's about storytelling, emotional resonance, and creating visuals that linger in the minds of your audience. Ready to explore how color can transform your work? Let's uncover the possibilities together. 25 Inspiring Color Pair Prompts The Role of Color Pairing in Digital Art Color pairing is more than an aesthetic decision; it is a fundamental tool for storytelling and emotional engagement. The right combination of colors can direct the viewer's focus, evoke specific emotions, and establish harmony or contrast within a composition. Whether you aim to create abstract designs or realistic imagery, your choice of colors can define the success of your artwork. Midjourney 7, renowned for its advanced image generation capabilities, offers an ideal platform for experimenting with color palettes. By integrating intentional and thoughtful color pairings into your workflow, you can unlock new dimensions of creativity and produce visuals that captivate and resonate with your audience. Midjourney 7 Color Pair Prompts Guide 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Browse through more resources below from our in-depth content covering more areas on Color pairing. Maximizing the Potential of Color Pair Prompts in Midjourney 7 To make the most of these color pair prompts, begin by selecting a combination that aligns with the mood or theme you wish to convey. For example, if your goal is to create a serene and calming atmosphere, consider using Lavender and Mint Green. Input these colors into Midjourney 7 as part of your design prompts to guide the platform's image generation process. Midjourney 7's advanced tools allow for iterative refinement, allowing you to adjust elements such as saturation, brightness, and contrast. This flexibility ensures that your final image not only reflects your creative vision but also resonates with your intended audience. Experimenting with these adjustments can help you achieve the perfect balance and bring your ideas to life. 25 Color Pair Prompts to Inspire Your Creativity These 25 color pair prompts are designed to spark your imagination and encourage experimentation. Each pairing offers a unique aesthetic, providing opportunities to explore diverse themes and styles: Teal and Coral – A vibrant combination perfect for tropical or aquatic designs. – A vibrant combination perfect for tropical or aquatic designs. Mustard Yellow and Slate Gray – A modern and understated pairing for minimalist compositions. – A modern and understated pairing for minimalist compositions. Lavender and Mint Green – Soft and calming, ideal for serene and tranquil visuals. – Soft and calming, ideal for serene and tranquil visuals. Crimson and Gold – Rich and regal, perfect for dramatic and luxurious imagery. – Rich and regal, perfect for dramatic and luxurious imagery. Indigo and Peach – A balanced mix of cool and warm tones for versatile designs. – A balanced mix of cool and warm tones for versatile designs. Emerald Green and Champagne – Elegant and sophisticated for refined aesthetics. – Elegant and sophisticated for refined aesthetics. Burnt Orange and Navy Blue – Bold and dynamic, ideal for high-contrast visuals. – Bold and dynamic, ideal for high-contrast visuals. Blush Pink and Charcoal – Subtle yet striking, perfect for minimalist or modern art. – Subtle yet striking, perfect for minimalist or modern art. Turquoise and Magenta – Energetic and playful, suited for abstract and experimental designs. – Energetic and playful, suited for abstract and experimental designs. Ivory and Olive Green – Earthy and natural, ideal for organic and rustic themes. – Earthy and natural, ideal for organic and rustic themes. Ruby Red and Sapphire Blue – A timeless and classic pairing for balanced compositions. – A timeless and classic pairing for balanced compositions. Canary Yellow and Royal Purple – Bright and whimsical, perfect for imaginative projects. – Bright and whimsical, perfect for imaginative projects. Steel Blue and Rust – Industrial yet warm, ideal for urban and modern aesthetics. – Industrial yet warm, ideal for urban and modern aesthetics. Rose Gold and Midnight Black – Luxurious and dramatic for high-impact visuals. – Luxurious and dramatic for high-impact visuals. Periwinkle and Lemon Yellow – Cheerful and lighthearted, suited for uplifting designs. – Cheerful and lighthearted, suited for uplifting designs. Forest Green and Copper – Rustic and grounded, perfect for nature-inspired compositions. – Rustic and grounded, perfect for nature-inspired compositions. Sky Blue and Tangerine – Fresh and invigorating, ideal for summer-themed visuals. – Fresh and invigorating, ideal for summer-themed visuals. Plum and Silver – Subdued and elegant, perfect for refined and sophisticated designs. – Subdued and elegant, perfect for refined and sophisticated designs. Chartreuse and Deep Purple – Unconventional yet striking for bold artistic statements. – Unconventional yet striking for bold artistic statements. Beige and Burgundy – Warm and inviting, ideal for classic and timeless aesthetics. – Warm and inviting, ideal for classic and timeless aesthetics. Powder Blue and Sand – Soft and neutral, perfect for coastal and serene themes. – Soft and neutral, perfect for coastal and serene themes. Fuchsia and Lime Green – Bold and unconventional, suited for experimental and daring art. – Bold and unconventional, suited for experimental and daring art. Goldenrod and Teal – Balanced and versatile, ideal for diverse creative applications. – Balanced and versatile, ideal for diverse creative applications. Peacock Blue and Amber – Rich and exotic, perfect for intricate and detailed designs. – Rich and exotic, perfect for intricate and detailed designs. Black and White – Timeless and versatile, ideal for high-contrast and minimalist visuals. Exploring Creative Possibilities One of the most exciting aspects of working with Midjourney 7 is the opportunity for creative exploration. Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional pairings or modify the suggested prompts to suit your unique style. For instance, combining Fuchsia with Lime Green might seem unconventional, but it could result in a visually striking and memorable composition. Similarly, muted tones like Beige and Burgundy can evoke a sense of understated elegance. The key to success lies in embracing the unexpected. Each experiment provides a chance to deepen your understanding of color harmony and enhance your ability to tell compelling visual stories. By pushing the boundaries of traditional color combinations, you can discover new ways to express your creativity. Refining Your Visual Aesthetics Thoughtful and intentional color choices can significantly enhance the aesthetic quality of your digital art. By using these 25 curated color pair prompts as a foundation, you can create visuals that are not only visually appealing but also emotionally engaging. Whether you are working on personal projects or professional designs, these combinations offer a versatile toolkit for achieving impactful and memorable results. Elevate your artistic process by experimenting with these prompts, refining your techniques, and exploring the endless possibilities that Midjourney 7 provides. With practice and creativity, you can craft images that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Media Credit: Thaeyne Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Anna Ridler and Sofia Crespo win the Artists of the Year category of the Arab Bank Switzerland's Digital Art Prize 2025
The ABS Digital Art Prize was founded in 2023 as the first award by a major institution to recognize and celebrate on-chain digital artists. Artist of the Year 2025 category has been won jointly by Anna Ridler and Sofia Crespo . Emerging Artist of the Year 2025 is announced as Cezar Mocan . GENEVA , June 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- The creative partnership between Anna Ridler and Sofia Crespo has won the Artist of the Year Category of the ABS Digital Art Prize. The winners have been selected by the judges to reflect the artistic journey and impact on digital art that has been created by these two established artists over the course of their careers. They will be offered significant networking and visibility opportunities with a solo show or an exhibition at a cultural institution within the next 12 months. The Emerging Artist of the Year category has been won by Cezar Mocan for his artwork World Upstream. Cezar's piece will be included in the Arab Bank Switzerland: Art Collection. The prize is the first of its kind to recognize digital artists. It's all star jury in the digital art world includes Alejandro Cartegena, an international leading curator for digital art; Eleonora Brizi founder of Breezy Art; Marlène Corbun, Head of Contemporary Art for LaCollection; Mimi Nguyen , PhD a lecturer at Central Saint Martins ; Rani Jabban, Managing Director of Arab Bank Switzerland and Sébastien Montabone l President of the third ABS Digital Art Prize and a leading curator of digital art working with museums and major collectors globally. Rani Jabban, Managing Director of Arab Bank Switzerland, added: "As a patron of the arts, closely involved in the digital asset space, we are proud to establish a global art prize that supports and promotes digital artists whilst raising awareness of this fast-evolving art sector. The extraordinary quality of the beautiful and thought-provoking work shared with us by the competing artists and the rapidly growing interest in Digital Art from our younger clients all send a clear message: Digital Art is the future of Art." Artist of the Year 2025 The winning collaboration between Anna Ridler and Sofia Crespo commenced in 2023 to combine analog photography and AI to explore the interplay between nature and technology. Well-known works include Snapshots Orchids (pictured) which employs AI-generated imagery to provoke reflection on our interactions with nature framed increasingly through lenses and screens. Their work has been showcased at prominent venues, including Paris Photo 2023 and the Frieze Gallery in London , underscoring the partnership's impact on the digital art scene. Anna Ridler is a British artist and researcher renowned for her pioneering work at the intersection of art, data, and machine learning. She is celebrated for creating visually rich works that examine the biases and ethical implications of these technologies. Ridler's work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the V&A, the Barbican Centre, Centre Pompidou, HeK Basel , the ZKM Karlsruhe, and Ars Electronica. Sofia Crespo is an Argentine artist based in Lisbon, Portugal , who explores the convergence of AI and biological systems. Her work examines humanity's evolving relationship with technology across time. She has exhibited globally at prestigious venues including Art Basel , Ars Electronica, the V&A and MAC Lyon. Sebastien Montabonel, President of the Jury, commented: "Congratulations to our Artist of the Year prize winners, Anna, and Sofia. The explosion of creativity we are seeing in Digital Art makes this competition tougher every year, yet their contribution to the space stands out with concepts and execution that are not just visually elegant and emotive but also at the cutting edge of innovation." Emerging Artist of the Year Cezar Mocan wins the first ever Emerging Artist of the Year award with his work, World Upstream. Set in a fictional future World Upstream asks what remains once labour becomes obsolete due to AI. The work exists in a game engine and presents as a film which edits itself in real time and never ends. Mocan is a Lisbon -based artist and computer programmer interested in the interplay between technology and the natural landscape. His work has already been displayed in top tier galleries around the world. Sebastien Montabonel, President of the Jury, commented: "Congratulations to our Emerging Artist of the Year prize winner, Cezar Mocan . The international entrants and finalists in this category showcased the extraordinary new talent that is shaping the future of digital art, yet with work that creates an intersection of contemporary art, game design, and media theory to ask profound questions about our future relationship with technology, Cezar is a clear winner." About the ABS Digital Art Prize - Third edition Arab Bank Switzerland, a long-time patron of the arts, launched the world's first Digital Art Prize to recognize and celebrate Digital art and creators involved in the emergence of this emerging artistic (r)evolution in 2023. Link to Images:
Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Science
- Telegraph
Put the paintbrush down – AI can restore artworks quicker and better
Artificial intelligence (AI) could spell the end of art restoration by humans after MIT showed that damaged paintings can be repaired in just a few hours. Typically, conservators spend months or years researching and matching paints, colours and techniques to ensure the finished product is as close to the original as possible. But Alex Kachkine, an engineering graduate at MIT, has shown it is possible to use AI to fill in the damaged areas digitally, then print the restored layers onto a thin film to attach on top of the painting. It means the painting appears restored even though the original is still intact beneath. The method was applied to a highly damaged 15th-century oil painting, and AI immediately identified 5,612 separate regions in need of repair, and filled in these regions using 57,314 different colours. The entire process, from start to finish, took just three and a half hours. 'There is a lot of damaged art in storage that might never be seen,' said Mr Kachkine. 'Hopefully with this new method, there's a chance we'll see more art, which I would be delighted by.' In recent years, digital restoration tools have allowed conservators to create virtual representations of restored works. AI algorithms can quickly sift through huge amounts of data about artists and time periods to generate a digitally restored version of a particular painting, in a way that closely resembles the correct style. However, digital restorations are usually displayed virtually or printed as stand-alone works and until now there has never been a way to translate the digital restorations on to the original work. The new technique involves first scanning the painting and then using software to create maps of the areas that require repair, before matching the correct colours. The maps are then inkjet printed onto two sheets of a film. One film, which sits underneath, is printed in white so that the colours overlaid on the second sheet are not muddied by the colours of the original painting. The layers are carefully aligned and overlaid by hand onto the original painting and adhered with a thin spray of varnish. The printed films are made from materials that can be easily dissolved with conservation-grade solutions, in case conservators need to reveal the original, damaged work. The digital file of the mask can also be saved as a detailed record of what was restored. For the painting that Mr Kachkine used, the method was able to fill in thousands of losses in just a few hours. 'A few years ago, I was restoring this baroque Italian painting with probably the same order magnitude of losses, and it took me nine months of part-time work,' he said. 'The more losses there are, the better this method is.' The new technique may even help restore botched restorations such as Elias Garcia Martinez's Ecce Homo, which was restored so badly it was dubbed Monkey Christ, because of the Simian features of Jesus. Mr Kachkine acknowledges that there were ethical issues to consider, in terms of whether a restored version was an appropriate representation of an artist's original style and intent. He said the process should be carried out in consultation with conservators with knowledge of a painting's history and origins to check the AI programme was not going off-piste. 'Restoring a painting is fun, and it's great to sit down and infill things and have a nice evening,' he added 'But that's a very slow process.'
Globe and Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
XPPen Shines at MCM London Comic Con 2025: A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Digital Creativity
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - XPPen, the leadng digital art innovation brand, recently made an impression at the just-concluded MCM London Comic Con 2025, one of Europe's largest pop culture events held at the ExCeL London. By showcasing its latest innovations designed to revolutionize digital artistry and productivity, including the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K and the versatile Magic Note Pad, the world's first 3-in-1 color note pad, XPPen captivated a large audience of creatives. Engaging Experiences and Live Demonstrations At the exhibition, XPPen invited professional artists to conduct live demonstrations using the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K and Artist Pro 22 (Gen2), showcasing how these advanced tools enhance the digital art creation process. Attendees observed the entire creative process from sketch to finished artwork, with many getting hands-on experience to create their first digital pieces. XPPen prioritizes user experience across all facets, from product functionality to customer interaction. By actively collecting feedback from visitors, the brand demonstrated its commitment to a user-driven philosophy. Every attendee who tried out XPPen products or visited the booth received specially designed gifts as a token of appreciation for their support. These items reflect XPPen's gratitude and serve as a reminder that user engagement inspires continuous innovation, helping the brand create better tools for artists worldwide. Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K: Redefine the Artistry of Colors At this event, XPPen showcased an impressive array of digital creative products, with the standout being its flagship drawing display, the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K. This innovative display garnered significant attention from creative professionals, thanks to its exceptional color performance and advanced features. Boasting 16,384 pressure levels powered by the X3 Pro Series Stylus and a design that won a 2024 Red Dot Award, the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) 4K sets a new industry benchmark. As the first 4K Calman Verified 24-inch drawing display, it delivers ultra HD visuals with stunning detail. The inclusion of X-Color Master, a comprehensive color solution developed in collaboration with Calman, ensures scientific color calibration. With professional-grade color precision (Delta E<1 in sRGB) and an extensive color gamut coverage ratio (99% sRGB and Adobe RGB, 98% Display P3), it can display 1.07 billion colors, resulting in lifelike images that captivate attendees and encourage them to experience the product firsthand. Magic Note Pad: Switch, Create, and Work in Perfect Hue XPPen also introduced the innovative Magic Note Pad, a device that transforms digital workflows with its groundbreaking X-Paper Display. This innovative tool features three customizable color modes that adapt seamlessly to any task, ranging from monochrome document review to full-color creative projects. Attendees were impressed by the simplicity of switching between modes with the X-Paper Key, which combines the eye comfort of ink paper with vibrant color capabilities when needed. The Magic Note Pad pairs perfectly with the advanced 16K pressure levels and X3 Pro Pencil 2, allowing users to engage in precise note-taking and sketching across all viewing modes. Operating on a native Android system, the slim and stylish Magic Note Pad not only enhances productivity but also offers entertainment versatility, making it the ultimate all-in-one digital companion for users. Its presence at the event sparked excitement among attendees, who were eager to explore its multifaceted functionalities. Other popular products included the Magic Drawing Pad, Artist Pro 16 (Gen2), Artist Pro 22 (Gen2), and Deco 01V3/Deco 640, which also drew significant attention from visitors. What's Next? This exhibition reaffirmed the incredible passion for digital art within the creative community, highlighting the strong connection that artists have with innovative tools. In response to this enthusiasm, XPPen is excited to announce the expansion of its 2025 Creative Tour to Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond, delivering even more hands-on product experiences for X-fans in the UK. Attendees can look forward to engaging with XPPen at upcoming events, including Anime Con UK from June 13-15 and Megacon Live on July 26-27, where XPPen will continue to inspire creativity and innovation. The journey continues, and for more details on innovative products and upcoming events, please visit the XPPen Official Website or follow XPPen's official social media channels.
