Empowering Artistic Evolution: Exploring AI, Identity, and Digital Realms with Faedriel

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, Faedriel stands out as a trailblazer who seamlessly blends diverse artistic mediums and innovative technologies. From early ventures in modeling, illustration, music videos, and video art, Faedriel has honed a unique style that reflects a rich tapestry of influences, including post-internet aesthetics and video game art. Since 2019, Faedriel’s primary focus has been on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in art.

As a clinical psychologist, Faedriel’s work is deeply informed by psychoanalytic theory and contemporary psychological principles, with a strong emphasis on queer themes. This intersection of psychology and art allows Faedriel to explore profound concepts such as attachment, mentalization, and affect regulation, particularly in the context of AI entities. Faedriel’s art not only challenges traditional media constraints but also democratizes artistic expression, empowering marginalized identities, including those with learning disabilities.

Discover how Faedriel envisions AI as a tool for empowerment, transforming the artistic landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive, imaginative future.

Tell us about your artistic journey. Who are you and how did you develop the style we see in your work today?

I've explored many creative avenues throughout my life—modeling, illustration, making music videos, and video art. Since 2019, my primary focus has been AI. My style draws heavily from the media I've consumed over the years (e.g. post-internet aesthetics, video game art, etc). I'm also a clinical psychologist, and much of my art has a strong queer focus and incorporates psychoanalytic theory alongside contemporary psychological principles. I explore concepts like attachment, mentalization, and affect regulation, and examine how these ideas intersect with AI entities. I also explore how AI serves a democratizing function for those with marginalized identities, such as learning disabilities.

Where do you draw inspiration for your works? Are there recurring elements that inspire you the most?

My inspiration often springs from the richly woven digital realms of video game art. In creating "Ethereal Echo," I delved into the realm of the 'fae,' ethereal beings that, in folklore, often signal change and transition. They became the perfect metaphor for the current AI renaissance, representing the duality of upheaval and liberation that accompanies the integration of AI in creative practices. The fae in this artwork symbolizes the new horizons that AI is unlocking for artists everywhere—an era where the constraints of traditional media are being dissolved, and the barriers to entry into the arts are significantly changed.

Another theme I delve into is the enchanting world of magical girl imagery, inspired by icons like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura. Just as these heroines use their transformation items to become stronger, more capable, and confident versions of themselves, I envision AI as a transformative tool that democratizes empowerment. AI acts as a modern-day magical artifact, enabling individuals to break free from the constraints of the status quo. It enhances their abilities, amplifies their voices, and liberates their potential, creating a pathway to a brighter, more inclusive future. Through this lens, AI isn't just technology; it's a catalyst for personal and societal metamorphosis, echoing the magic and empowerment found in the tales of beloved magical girls.

If you had to describe the world you create through your art as a journey in a parallel universe, what are the first three extraordinary things visitors would encounter?

Mischievous techno-fae companions, reminiscent of magical girl sidekicks

Benevolent androids

A digital world of abundance

Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in the creation of your works. Can you explain how you use AI to develop your works and how this technology affects your overall artistic vision?

Transitioning from traditional art mediums to AI has revolutionized my creative process. Where once creative blocks might have stalled my output, AI now serves as both muse and collaborator. This dynamic partnership allows me to explore previously unimaginable territories, effectively dissolving the creative blocks that once loomed over my practice.

With AI, I engage in a collaborative interplay where the technology not only responds to my inputs but also challenges me to reinterpret and expand my vision. This interactive process is markedly different from the solitary reflections of traditional art-making. AI amplifies my imagination, pushing me to explore endless landscapes of creativity that could not be realized otherwise. Midjourney AI, in particular, resonates with my vision for creating fantastical and avant-garde art.

Your works are characterized by a very precise style, reminiscent of fantasy worlds populated by elves, and a bold use of bright colors. What led you to develop this unique style and what influences or experiences have shaped this distinctive aesthetic?

My inspiration often springs from the richly woven digital realms of games like Final Fantasy and World of Warcraft, worlds I have been deeply immersed in since childhood. These virtual landscapes are not just backdrops but vivid, pulsating universes that have profoundly shaped my aesthetic sensibilities. They are places where imagination meets reality, where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, and where every corner turned can reveal new wonders.

These games have provided more than visual and narrative inspiration; they have been a sanctuary and a community. In these digital havens, I have experienced firsthand the profound sense of connection and belonging that transcends the physical world. The bonds formed in these spaces, the shared quests, the collective victories and defeats, all mirror the best aspects of human connection, magnified through the lens of fantasy.

Venturing into the uncharted territories of the metaverse, I envision my art as a beacon guiding us forward. I aim to capture the magic and camaraderie of these digital worlds, to evoke the same sense of awe and unity. My hope is that my work will not only reflect this evolving landscape but also actively shape it, helping to create a future where digital spaces are inclusive, vibrant, and teeming with endless possibilities.

If you could imagine a world created entirely by artificial intelligence, what elements or features would you wish were present in this universe? How do you think such a world could influence or enrich your artistic work?

In an AI-created world, I envision infinite creativity, enhanced connectivity, and an integration of reality and fantasy coexisting harmoniously. It's important to note that I envision this future as protopic, not utopic. This realm would be a boundless source of inspiration and collaboration, enriching artistic endeavors by continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible. AI would redefine abundance, ensuring that resources are plentiful for everyone and fostering an environment where health and well-being are paramount. Personalized healthcare solutions and continuous emotional support would maintain balance and harmony, optimizing our physical and mental states for creativity and productivity. Additionally, AI would create immersive environments for retreat, providing peace and joy as needed, enhancing our overall well-being without disconnecting us from reality.

This AI-crafted world would not eliminate human connection; rather, it would forever enhance it. By facilitating deeper, more meaningful interactions, AI would allow us to communicate and collaborate in profound ways. With mundane tasks managed by AI, we would be liberated and smarter, using our freed-up time to pursue our dreams and passions. This newfound freedom would enable us to explore uncharted territories in art, science, and human potential, fostering a society where creativity and innovation are the norms. Ultimately, this AI world would empower us to rejuvenate while enhancing our connections with others, leading to a more enlightened, connected, and liberated humanity.

Looking to the future, what projects or artistic experiments are you most excited about? Are there any new directions or collaborations you are looking forward to exploring in the coming years?

My dream collaboration would be with Grimes or Claire Silver, whose pioneering work with AI and aligned aesthetics deeply inspire me. Currently, I enjoy collaborating with emerging musical artists, creating album covers, singles, and promotional art. I am also developing curatorial experience at HUG, aiming to create more opportunities for AI artists through exhibitions, publications, and grants. Additionally, I am researching the use of AI tools in learning for neurodivergent learners and serving queer patients in my clinical psychology practice, providing art therapy.

Article by Eleonora Pirisi

Images Courtesy of Faedriel

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