Fictosaurus, 2024

Rocks, photographs, video, posters

In response to the conflicting attitudes surrounding AI, my work seeks to explore the paradox between fear and fascination. On one hand, AI is often criticized, with many claiming it can never replace the authenticity of human creativity. On the other hand, we unknowingly engage with AI-generated content daily—whether in videos, written texts, or even deepfake images that pass as truth. My project aims to shed light on this contradiction and invite viewers to critically explore the possibilities of AI. Rather than fearing it, I want to encourage understanding—because fear is often rooted in ignorance. At the centre of my piece is the fictional “Fictosaurus,” a dinosaur species entirely fabricated through AI. The Fictosaurus was “discovered” from a collection of rocks I found in my hometown, which I then transformed into dinosaur skull illustrations using an AI image generator. These illustrations serve as the visual foundation for my work, blending natural, mundane objects with the fantastical power of AI-driven creation. The project challenges viewers to think critically about the media they consume. In an age where people increasingly trust information from social media platforms without question, my piece asks: “How easily are you deceived?” By presenting something as absurd as a fictional dinosaur through credible-looking images, video, and text, I want viewers to recognize the danger of accepting information at face value, even when it appears to come from trusted sources. Ultimately, my goal is not to demonize AI, but to encourage a deeper understanding of its potential and its risks. The Fictosaurus is both a cautionary tale and an invitation—to be sceptical, to be curious, and to learn about the technologies shaping our future, before fear takes over.