The world of art has always been a hub of creativity and experimentation. From the abstract expressionism of the mid-20th century to the digital art of today, artists have never shied away from pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. And now, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), a new era of artistic experimentation has begun. One artist, in particular, is taking this experimentation to the next level with his latest project – “AI on Acid.”
Origins of AI on Acid
Inspired by the legendary “LSD & Creativity” research of Dr. Oscar Janiger, renowned artist Glen Wexler is blending artificial intelligence with the mind-opening effects of LSD to create unique and mind-bending art. Janiger’s research, which attracted the likes of Aldous Huxley, Cary Grant, and James Coburn, explored how LSD influenced creativity from 1958 to 1962. The artists in Janiger’s study made paintings and drawings of a Native American Kachina doll – an image that Wexler references in his project.
New Age of Psychedelic Art
Glen Wexler, known for his digitally enhanced photo compositions, has an impressive body of work that can be found in permanent collections at various museums. In “AI on Acid,” Wexler uses a high-quality photo of the Kachina doll and references Janiger’s research to guide the AI-created art. By selecting different AI-generated images and enhancing them in Photoshop, Wexler creates a striking mix of technology and psychedelia. The resulting art looks like the abstract, trippy creations of artists in Janiger’s study but with a unique AI twist.
Speaking about the project, Wexler said, “I realized that psychedelics bypass the ego and free the mind, leading to unusual neural connections and a changed view of reality. In the same way, AI, which probably has no ego, makes random connections using millions of data points. Over 60 years after the research project, it’s interesting to see the Kachina Doll reimagined as a Yoda-like figure.”
The Limitless Power of AI
Wexler’s groundbreaking project demonstrates that AI’s creative potential is boundless. By combining the limitless inspiration of LSD-based art with AI’s power, “AI on Acid” provides a glimpse into a world of artistic adventure beyond human perception. Like the psychedelic experience that allows the mind to form new connections and view reality differently, AI uncovers unique connections and ideas. Wexler’s work pays tribute to Janiger’s research and showcases the ever-changing nature of creativity.
The release of “AI on Acid” on Nifty Gateway on April 19, 2023, marks the 80th anniversary of the discovery of LSD. Nifty Gateway is a leading digital art auction platform that specializes in NFT art. The partnership between Nifty Gateway and Wexler represents the connection between altered states of consciousness and creative expression. Wexler’s project pushes the boundaries of what is possible and demonstrates the potential for AI to reshape the world of art. As we continue to explore the intersection of art, creativity, and AI, we can only imagine what new frontiers lie ahead.
