November 29th, 2023 - July 31st, 2024
Atlas is a groundbreaking photography-based AI portrait series that encapsulates the essence of all 198 countries on Earth. This innovative project invites viewers to explore the world through the lens of artificial intelligence, utilizing an extensive archive of portrait photography by Justin Aversano.
By harnessing the vast, unfiltered data collected by Midjourney's algorithm, Atlas breathes life into machine-generated portraits that reflect diverse cultures and identities. The exhibition poses critical questions about the data driving these algorithms: What biases lurk within corporate databases? How does AI interpret and represent specific people and their countries?
Each portrait begins with a simple yet powerful prompt, such as “A Justin Aversano photographic portrait of an Italian in Italy,” allowing us to delve into the complex interplay between technology, identity, and perception. This is an exploration of how we are seen by artificial intelligence, and reflect on the implications for our understanding of global humanity.