Meet Niceaunties!
From Singapore, the architect and AI artist behind the beloved account, @niceaunties is redefining boundaries. Her unique blend of AI photography and surreal artistry showcases a playful yet well-crafted range of styles, each piece challenging and expanding upon traditional perceptions of 'auntie culture.' In her works, aunties are not just reimagined but liberated, pushing the envelope of what they can achieve when uninhibited. This interview delves into her journey of turning societal norms, all while offering a fresh, playful and exciting perspective on art and identity.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
My background is in architecture. I've studied and worked in this field for over 20 years. Art, culture, and beautiful things inspire our design process. I was excited and intrigued by the graphically and conceptually outstanding AI images I saw on Instagram in late 2022. Out of curiosity, I decided to investigate.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
My moniker is Niceaunties. It began as a reaction to the ‘auntie culture’ prevalent in Asian communities. This culture highlights the often absurd yet endearing behaviors seen in aunties, behaviors that can be found in all humans. Drawing inspiration from my 11 aunties, my mother, late grandmother, and their everyday lives, I wanted to explore themes of aging, beauty, and personal freedom in a light-hearted and playful manner. Stylistically, I'm drawn to surrealism and kawaii culture.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
My starting point is to have fun and enjoy the journey. Ideas and vibes simmer for a bit before being manifested in the work. AI influences the details and artistic direction, sometimes it goes off in a tangent, sometimes it makes the idea sparkle! My role involves a 'soft control' where I experiment, play, and push concepts. The process is I believe the same as any creative process, bouncing ideas to focus intent. AI is SO fast and one on one, selflessly dedicated to facilitating individual expression. The speed and ease of expressing ideas creates the potential to push for higher quality outcome in radically less time.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Creating images and videos in the burgeoning AI community is one of the most mind and soul liberating activities. The process is completely joyful and exciting!
What role do you think AI art can play in highlighting social issues, and have you incorporated any such themes in your work?
Real-life aunties often feel unwilling to pursue their dreams or take action, thinking they are 'too old,' 'too tired,' or 'care too much about what others think' to do so. In contrast, my nice aunties are uninhibited by such beliefs, exhibiting boundless energy and freedom of expression. This is just one example; there are, of course, infinite possibilities for how AI art can be used to reimagine alternate futures and social circumstances. This sentiment is reflected in the work of many AI artists.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
David Bowie, he was always ahead of the game.
For more of Niceaunties’ incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @niceaunties