SHAKTI: Adagio Dream by Ashley Christudason

This work entwines AI (VQGAN) & human processes.   Using 4 generated renders manifested by the AI as a means of visual scaffolding, I collaged work from my 15 year catalogue to create the muse in the center.

Seeing what looked to be like piano keys in the initial AI renders, I endeavoured to reconstruct the keys in a more aesthetic manner. This then inspired me to look up sheet music by master pianists from long ago to add another dimension to the already evolving narrative. Consequently, this research led me to a piece of music and its composer.

You’ll notice the German word ‘Liebesträume’ on the bottom left corner of the artwork below the piano keys. Written in 1850 and German for ‘dreams of love’, Franz Liszt composed Liebesträume. They discuss a love that extends beyond death - The bulk of his song is this dream of love – of being reunited with a lost love in dreams.

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