Published 01 June 2024 in The Viewing Room Art Gallery
Portrait (Analogue) 1/1 ANDRE CLEMENTS Pigment print on 230 gsm art paper, water-stretched, deckled edges 54 x 54
André Clements explores the intersection of technology and artistry in his latest exhibition, "Alexa, Make Some Art."
With a career spanning from programming in the mid-1980s to visual art creation, André’s work reflects a nuanced blend of traditional techniques and technological innovation. He layers diverse sources—from analogue work and photography to computationally generated material—to create depth and subtlety.
Central to André’s practice is "multipartiality"—integrating multiple perspectives without claiming neutrality. This approach informs his use of "Object Oriented Ontology," resisting domination and guiding his artistic decisions.
Featured pieces like “We Dance in Wittgenstein’s Scaffolding” and “Spaceman in Tesseract (Kaleidoscope w/ Compassionate Eyes)” use advanced computational tools to craft intricate picture-objects, inviting viewers into a cinematic mental experience.
Media and Methods: André employs digital photography, AI, and traditional analogue techniques, embracing a collaborative spirit that dissolves boundaries.
Viewpoint on New Technologies: Inspired by the impact of historical innovations, André sees today’s AI as redefining artistic boundaries. He believes the value of these tools lies in their application, acknowledging the enduring debate over knowledge ownership.
The phrase, “for one, welcome our new machine collaborators,” is a playful twist on the famous quote, “for one, welcome our new computer overlords,” from Ken Jennings’ "Jeopardy!" appearance, originally inspired by The Simpsons.
Exhibition Insight: André Clements’ "Alexa, Make Some Art" challenges the perception of creativity in the AI era, highlighting the synergy between human ingenuity and machine collaboration.