Papilio Venenata Venomous Butterfly Gold Butterfly

Floral Illusions: The Art of Non-Existence" presents a series of digitally generated flowers, each a unique chimera born from the boundless possibilities of artificial intelligence. These blossoms, crafted with AI, are not mere aesthetic exercises, but rather a reflection on the very essence of creation and the potential consequences of our desire to manipulate the natural world.

In these works, I explore the blurred lines between reality and simulation, questioning the very definition of "natural." Ceramica Aetheria (Ethereal Ceramic), Papilio Venenata (Venomous Butterfly), Narcissus Spirala Avis (Spiral Bird Daffodil), and Petalum Phantasma (Phantom Petal) – each is a testament to the power of AI to generate beauty that transcends the limitations of nature.

Yet, these flowers are also a cautionary tale. The hand-embroidered pollinators – the bee, butterfly, sugar bird, and ladybird – serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate interdependence between flora and fauna. These pollinators, rendered in traditional craft, represent the real-world consequences of our artificial creations. Would these creatures be drawn to these flowers? Would they find sustenance, or would they encounter a sterile, or even toxic, illusion?

This exhibition challenges us to consider the ethics of genetic modification and the potential for unintended consequences. Are we truly enhancing nature, or are we creating a world where beauty is merely a digital illusion, devoid of genuine life and ecological purpose? "Floral Illusions" invites viewers to contemplate the profound implications of our pursuit of perfection and the potential for a future where the line between the real and the artificial becomes irrevocably blurred.


  • Papilio Venenata Venomous Butterfly Gold Butterfly
  • Will Roux
  • 2025
  • AI digital, edition print with hand-embroidery and crystal
  • 17x30cm image size
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