Meet SERIFA!
Introducing Serifa (IG: @serifa), a beloved creative studio based in Munich, led by Nastassja Abel and Christian Otto. Operating at the intersection of art and design, they are guided by their mission to 'Define New Aesthetics.' They create abstract portraits using AI and post-photography, known for their amazing color choices, beautiful compositions, and an ethereal feel. Inspired by a diverse array of influences, from fashion to Japanese culture, their work echoes a sense of mystery and poetic ambiance.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
SERIFA is a multidisciplinary creative studio, that operates at the interface of art and design. Central to our mission is our guiding DNA "Defining New Aesthetics," under which we explore new forms of visual expression, harnessing the capabilities of AI.
We came to AI Art in 2021 via NFTs. Our first impression with AI Tool was mindblowing and we are still impressed by the rapid development of AI.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
Our work draws from various sources, including fashion, magazines, Japanese culture, hip-hop, design, typography, and architecture. We are currently doing a lot of collaborations with musicians.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
The integration of AI technology marks a significant evolution in our artistic trajectory, echoing a philosophy of embracing unpredictability and innovation. This approach parallels the disruptive techniques of artists like Georg Baselitz, renowned for challenging traditional views by upending the familiar.
"Creative work, the hallucination of the GPT models is a feature, not a bug. It lets you discover some new things." Sam Altman, 2024 (Interview with Bill Gates)
Our fascination lies precisely with the chaos, the unexpected, the inexplicable. Gerhart Richter once remarked, "I don't like pictures that I understand," adding, "the Mona Lisa is good because I can't understand her." This sentiment encapsulates our interests perfectly.
Can you share a specific artwork or moment that transformed your perspective on AI art?
In our "ART EVERY DAY" series, we share new creations on Instagram daily, emphasizing the importance of the process itself. There's a saying that comparing something good to another can diminish its value. Therefore, our attention is steadfastly on the present, viewing our past works as reflections of our journey at that time—a journey we take pride in, as it has catalyzed our evolution.
How do you balance your work in AI art with other professional or personal pursuits?
Our approach to the "ART EVERY DAY" series is highly structured, which significantly aids in maintaining our flow and preventing "overthinking"—the greatest adversary of creativity.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Sometimes we feel like we're on a rollercoaster. You just have to keep going and trust the process.
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?
As we've mentioned before, we're really into the idea that AI's biggest strength isn't just about making stuff we can already »imagine«, but about dreaming up things we haven't even thought of yet. Chaos is where all the great stuff comes from.
How do you engage with the broader AI and digital artist community?
We have already met a lot of nice people and are delighted to be part of the AI community. It's super exciting to be part of such an innovative movement.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women and non-binary folks who are interested in pursuing AI art?
Don't think too much, just do it and put it online. Art is a way of life, and even when the path gets rocky, you can't go wrong.
For more of Serifa’s incredible work, make sure to visit their Instagram account: @serifa