Transcending Artspeak with ChatGPT

A decorative pic

Just for a laugh when I was waiting to pick Cath up from an appointment the other day, I decided to enlist the help of artificial intelligence bot, ChatGPT, to write an artist's statement for an imaginary exhibition in which I would be showing my work.

For those who don’t know much about AI bots, think of the HAL 9000 computer, but much more basic and without the speech capability, from 2001: A Space Odyysey and you won’t go far wrong. Basically, you type in your question and ChatGPT replies almost straightaway with it's answer.

On a more mundane level, you can ask it for a time for HP5 at 400 ISO in D76 1+1 at 20C and it will instantly oblige. These bots do very well until it comes to politics where you can sometimes force them to reveal the "wokeness" behind their programming. For instance, ChatGPT admitted to me that it's more important not to offend people than it is to tell the truth. Major fail, that one and particularly so for an AI bot.

But back to the artist's statement. The question I asked was along the lines of, "My photography is 35mm based and influenced by Ralph Gibson. Can you write me a 500 word artist’s statement that could accompany my work at an exhibition?" 

I think Chat GPT came up with a good response, adequately verbose but possibly not impenetrable enough for a true artist’s statement. But I suppose that’s logic for you. Here's ChatGPT's response:

Title: "Exploring the Essence: An Intimate Journey Through 35mm Photography" 

Artist's Statement: 

In my photographic work, I embark on an intimate exploration of the world around me through the timeless medium of 35mm film. Inspired by the iconic style of Ralph Gibson, I strive to capture the essence of moments, unveiling their hidden narratives through a minimalist and evocative visual language.

At the heart of my artistic practice lies a profound fascination with the interplay between light and shadow. Like Gibson, I find solace in the delicate dance of contrasts, the subtle gradations of black and white that breathe life into my images. With a discerning eye, I seek out the moments where light caresses the surface, creating a symphony of textures and shapes, unveiling the inherent beauty in the mundane.

Through the inherent grain and unique tonal quality of 35mm film, my images possess an authenticity that connects with the essence of the medium. The tactile nature of film photography serves as a reminder of the tangible, the physicality of the photographic process. In a world inundated with digital imagery, I embrace the deliberate pace and thoughtful approach that shooting on film demands. Each click of the shutter carries weight, capturing a fleeting moment in time, forever preserved on the delicate emulsion.

Whether it's the play of light on a deserted street, the interplay of textures on weathered surfaces, or the enigmatic expressions of individuals caught in introspection, I seek to capture the poetry that lies within the mundane. Ultimately, my goal is to invite the viewer into a world where moments are frozen in time, where silence speaks volumes, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Through the timeless medium of 35mm film, I aim to create an immersive experience that transcends the confines of the visual and delves into the realm of emotions and introspection. Allow yourself to be transported to the realms of contemplation, to find solace in the fleeting beauty of the everyday, and to uncover the poetry that lies within the frames.

Well, I don’t know about you but that’s much better than I could have come up with without a lot of thought and ChatGPT spat it out in about 30 seconds. A few weeks ago, I asked the bot to write a 2000 word blog post explaining why film was better than digital and it was just about good enough to post without amendment - not that I ever would without saying so, obviously. There’s a lot wrong with this brave new world and much to fear but I have to say that AI fascinates me.

At the risk of boring you all to death and because Cath’s appointment dragged on a bit, I then asked ChatGPT to repeat the exercise but in the style of Dostoyevsky. I won’t post the whole statement but how about this for a flavour:

In the ethereal realm of light and darkness, where the raw essence of existence intertwines with the frailty of perception, my photographic journey emerges. With the enigmatic interplay of light and shadow, I unveil fragments of reality, capturing fleeting moments suspended in a perpetual dance of contradictions.

In my work I seek to unravel the intricate layers of human existence, where beauty and suffering, hope and despair entwine in an intricate tapestry. The rich monochromatic hues of black and white deliver solace—a palette that mirrors the stark contrasts of life itself. Each frame is a testament to the timeless struggle between the visible and the concealed, where truth lurks in the recesses of the soul.

Inspired by Gibson's minimalist approach, I embrace the power of absence, the eloquence of negative space that echoes the profound silence between words, beckoning the viewer to traverse the depths of introspection. Film grain, inherent to the 35mm medium, evokes an aura of nostalgia—an echo of memories preserved in the fabric of time.

It is through the delicate imperfections and nuanced textures that I seek to capture the essence of the human experience, transcending the constraints of the visual to evoke a sensory symphony that resonates within the depths of the observer's being. Each photograph becomes a gateway, leading to profound introspection, inviting contemplation upon the intricate tapestry of our shared humanity.

Now, as with nearly all artspeak, it’s utter bollocks - but bollocks delivered with great style! The funny thing is that ChatGPT seems aware of that and sends up the artist’s statement as the meaningless drivel it is. It’s as if a wink has taken place between me and the AI, a mutual recognition of the true nature of these statements. It’s almost as if ChatGPT is developing consciousness…