Archival Images of AI
Archival Images of AI explores how existing images – especially those from digital heritage collections – can be remixed and reused to create new images, particularly to represent AI in more compelling ways.
Images of AI are often problematic. Common visual tropes of glowing brains, humanoid robots and walls of code create a distorted view of AI, giving it a mystical, almost god-like quality. So, we’ve been wondering – how can we make it easier to create better images of AI?
To answer this question, we created 50+ images remixing cultural heritage materials, and a playbook with all the learnings so that anyone can go on and make their own images of AI.
This project was a collaboration between AIxDESIGN and the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision with advisory from Better Images of AI ✨ Special thanks to SOOT for helping us launch our scraps.
My role in the project was four-fold:
Image Maker
A maker myself, I got excited and created a series of images too – all published to the Better Images of AI stock library for free use.
Research Lead
I led the research process, approach, and team – exploring how we might use digital heritage collections for remixing and publishing our insights in the Archival Images of AI playbook.
Creative Direction
I led the creative direction of the Archival Images of AI playbook – collaborating with Kaashvi Kothari on the graphic treatment, information design, and choice of imagery.
Artistic Development
I provided support in artistic development to the commissioned image-makers throughout their creative process – shaping briefs, reviewing drafts, refining concepts, and final selection of images.
