Meet Alîn!
Welcome to the insightful world of Alîn, a Berlin-based director, photographer and a visionary AI artist known for a captivating blend of surrealism and harmony with nature. Through their Instagram account, @electro.moth, Alîn shares their unique perspective, offering dream-like visions of various life forms in symbiosis with nature and humanity.
Alîn's work stands as a testament to their deep respect for the environment and animals, and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. Their images, characterized by striking uses of pastel hues, resemble scenes from a dream, a testament to their boundless creativity.
Alîn crafts imaginative realms filled with uncanny creatures and striking lab environments that echo their past experiences working in a vet clinic and microbiology lab. Each piece is a tribute to the fascinating interplay of science, nature, and art.
An active advocate for the planet and animal rights, Alin uses their art as a tool for dialogue, inspiring viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Enjoy this journey through Alîn's thoughts and works, as we delve deeper into their artistic process and the powerful themes that shape their creations.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
In the past, I worked for many years in a veterinary clinic and microbiology laboratory for reptiles, amphibians and other lower vertebrates. From a young age, photography had always captivated me, and this interest grew over time. Eventually, I left my job at the clinic to pursue my passion, becoming a freelance photographer. I spent many years in this role before deciding to further my education in photography, graduating in 2020.
During the pandemic, I transitioned to the film industry as a director. It was during a music video production that a colleague introduced me to Midjourney, a tool for creating visuals. The task was to create an image that could encapsulate the video's mood. This instant fascination kept me up all night, exploring the platform through its free trial until I exhausted the available prompts.
As I delved deeper into it and improved my skills, I became increasingly involved with the AI art community. I've come to view AI as an exciting evolution in the realm of artistic expression and believe it will play a significant role in the future of art.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
When I reflect on my AI-generated art portfolio, I find that my time spent working at the veterinary clinic remains a substantial source of inspiration. As an individual deeply invested in animal welfare and environmental sustainability, AI allows me to artistically engage with my favorite creatures without causing harm or infringement on their freedom. Over the years, I encountered a range of exotic animals kept as pets and, while the work was intriguing, it was distressing to realize that many of these creatures were ill due to inadequate care or improper feeding. Ultimately, I wished to see animals in their natural habitats instead.
My past experiences, alongside various external stimuli, continue to shape my artistic identity. Film, music, and art form significant pillars of my inspiration. My engagement with AI has unveiled a new dimension of creativity I had never anticipated. It allows for the exploration of limitless, childlike imagination, previously constrained by production and financial restrictions. Now, the most absurd and fantastical images spring to mind in my daily life. For instance, envisioning a planet where humans exist in physical symbiosis with reptiles and other organic lifeforms, akin to immersive experiences within lucid dreams. AI art has truly become a portal into realms of endless possibility.
Could you share any practices or strategies that help you balance your personal life and artistic pursuits?
Working in the film industry demands a significant commitment of one's time, often making it difficult to maintain a balanced life. I've witnessed rampant burnout within the industry, having experienced it personally as well. This ordeal taught me the importance of recognizing my own limits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. However, I believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. Different strategies work for different individuals. There is a wealth of literature available that offers guidance on maintaining mental and physical health, especially for creative professionals, which can be a valuable resource.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
For me, working with AI is a calming retreat, a space where I can unwind and lose myself in a meditative state. It demands a focused immersion that can extend for hours. Given this, it's crucial to ensure physical activity is not neglected in order to maintain overall health.
In your opinion, how does AI redefine the concept of creativity and artistic agency, and how do you see it impacting the future of art?
I don't really see AI as a significant threat to my work, despite the concerns I often hear from others. I believe using this tool can be a valuable way to showcase another facet of one's artistry. Throughout history, technical advancements have sometimes sparked fear, leading to counter-movements.
The invention of photography didn't render painting obsolete, just as electronic music programs haven't fully replaced traditional instruments. These developments merely introduced new tools and broadened the spectrum of visual art, creating a diverse landscape where everyone can find their niche.
Ultimately, the artistic journey is about choosing the process that resonates with you. The path to your preferred medium matters little, so long as you're passionate about your craft and eager to share it with the world.
What role do you think AI art can play in highlighting social issues, and have you incorporated any such themes in your work?
For me, AI is a fluid art form, much like gender identities. It can address social issues, seek solutions, visually represent societal feelings, and have a significant impact.
Topics such as LGBTQIA+, environmental conservation, and animal protection hold significant importance in my life, and I make a conscious effort to incorporate these themes into my work.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
There are several individuals who come to mind, but to remain topical, I'd currently choose filmmaker and actress Natasha Lyonne. Her unique and humorous perspective on life captivates me, especially her writing.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women who are interested in pursuing AI art?
Give it a try! We need more voices in the AI Art Community! We are all just beginning this journey, and it's incredibly exciting. Being part of shaping an undefined future is empowering, especially for FLINTA* individuals committed to improving our world and dismantling the patriarchy!
For more of Alîn’s incredible work, make sure to visit their Instagram account: @electro.moth