Toxi-Cycle, 2023

Fabric, video, machine embroidery

During my Master’s studies, I researched the challenges of artificial intelligence in visual art, and in the practical part I explored the topic of toxic relationships, how human beings and artificial intelligence perceive them. In my final MA project “Toxi-cycle”, videos of machine embroidery and removing embroidery are shown on four screens, next to which hangs an unrolled roll of white fabric with the words ” lack of air ” embroidered in white. I used artificial intelligence to create abstract compositions based on descriptions of toxic human relationships. The straightforwardness of the images created by AI contrasts with the human tendency to understand emotions metaphorically and indirectly. The video and fabric installations symbolize the journey and impact of toxic relationships, and the removing of embroidery represents the complex process of exiting them. In this work, I explore the interaction between human and artificial intelligence using digital and physical forms. The phrase ” lack of air”, embroidered on white fabric, expresses the complex emotions and constant tension of toxic feelings. The fabric becomes a reflection of the flow of life and the repetitive phrase weighs down one side of the fabric, representing the weight of accumulated emotions. The white threads refer to the complexity of toxic relationships – they exist but are not always easy to see. This art object reflects the artistic research conclusion that artificial intelligence can serve as a visual tool, but often diminishes the complexity of human emotion. The work questions whether future machines will be able to evaluate emotional aspects with the same sensitivity as humans.