ARTIST AND THE MACHINE: FT. KRISTA KIM

Happy Friday, Cyborgs.

Welcome to Artist and The Machine, a bi-weekly download of AI and culture. Each week we feature an artist at the helm of today’s paradigm shift, highlighting the magical synergy between creator & technology.

THIS WEEK’S FEATURE: KRISTA KIM 👽

For Krista Kim, light is the new ink.

She explores the concept of digital consciousness, leveraging technology as an instrument of well-being, mental health, and humanism. Kim’s philosophy “Techism” (outlined in an inspiring manifesto) acknowledges technological innovation as an artistic discipline, a driver of culture and renaissance throughout history.

Since 2012, Krista Kim has established a signature language of shifting gradients, utilizing mediums from glass to plexi to video, to create meditative experiences of color and light. In her eyes, the signature gradient is a reflection of humanity becoming more fluid in race, nationality, sexuality, politics, religion.

Kim’s elevated works have attracted the likes of Louis Vuitton, LACMA, Vogue, Lanvin, Mercedes Benz, Lamborghini, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Pallazzo Strozzi and many more. Her studio [0] recently received an inaugural investment from Snow Crash’s Neal Stephenson’s metaverse protocal LAMINA1.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from the early internet days? Do any related inspirations shape how you approach your artistry today?

A: The most fascinating aspect of the early tech days was the extraordinary sense of possibility and optimism - the idea that you could reach out and connect with anyone, anywhere, instantly opened up a world of opportunities and ideas. I draw inspiration from these early days, encapsulated in the freedom and openness of the internet - its capacity to transcend physical boundaries.

Q: Is there a workflow that you’re particularly fond of that involves AI or other related toolsets in creating your work?

A: I frequently use deep learning algorithms as tools for image generation, including Stable Diffusion. My process involves iterating my designs through these neural networks, allowing them to generate intricate and unforeseen combinations based on my initial input. I then review these outputs and make selections or adjustments, always seeking to balance the AI’s creative “autonomy” with my artistic vision. This symbiotic relationship is key to my work, and I am proud to be exploring this unique intersection of technology and art.

Q: What are some of your favorite artworks you’ve created that involved AI or other related toolsets?

A: “Digital Zen Garden,” a series of 12 unique artworks and an immersive meditative physical architectural installation that incorporates AI-generated visuals. The installation was created on-site for a private commission of Upper House Haeundae in Pusan, South Korea.

Currently showing in Rome at Palazzo Cipolla Museum, “Regenesis” showcases the possibilities of Augmented Reality in the beautification of urban spaces. Created in collaboration with Alex Dang, this futuristic study envisions a public housing prokect called Mott Haven in South Bronx, USA, where unattractive buildings are transformed into stunning works of art using Zen meditative designs. It explore the potential of XR to enhance our experience of the built environment, to seamlessly integrate art installations into the physical world. As AR glasses become more advanced in the next 5-10 years, we can expect to see a new era of metaverse lifestyle where digital experiences are indistinguishable from real objects in the real world.

Q: How do you see AI helping artists vs. being a hindrance or competitor?

A: AI is a tool, not a competitor. It’s another brush in our palette that can generate new forms and ideas we might not conceive of alone. The key is finding a balance, a dialogue between human creativity and AI algorithms, to create works that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Follow Krista Kim on instagram and check out her website.

ARTIST AND THE MACHINE is a newsletter on the latest in AI x culture, featuring one cutting-edge artist each week. Subscribe so you never miss an issue, and if you’re feeling inspired, please share with 2-3 friends!

xx Dani Van de Sande & Team ULO

About the Author

Hello, and thanks for reading! I’m Dani, and I was inspired to create Artist and The Machine from the belief that technology is about more than just utility - it has the power to unlock humanity’s creative potential.

I’ve been tinkering around with digital art, blockchain, and growth marketing since 2013, and have had the privilege of helping global brands such as Snap Inc, Whalerock, NARS, Chrome Hearts, Drake, Outside Media, Art Miami and many more navigate the space. I recently started ULO (short for Unidentified Landed Object), a next-gen agency and experience studio helping brands activate compelling use cases at the intersection of innovation and culture.

Get in touch —> Email or Twitter