Ellen Pearlman

Artist's Statement

Without memory there is no sense of self.  How does the human formation of memory compare with algorithmic representations of that same memory? Visual AI lives in mathematical latent space compressing data into clusters of numeric values. Can a rendered image from latent space understand a lived human memory? Traditional visual representations create cultural identity and historical memory through semiotic and symbolic representations. Newer algorithmic image rendering’s long term implications of its image processing and representation are still emerging. When developing “Brenda” a story of 15 sentences about triggered epigenetic ethnic trauma were drawn using human tactile input through an AI ComfyUI drawing tool. Each AI drawing was turned into an AI photo, which was then turned into an AI short movie.