Ronen Tanchum: In Bloom

This artwork was created using a model that continuously generates new images in real time, based on a digital sphere or “inventory” that contains millions of existing images. Each image is created in accordance with a key phrase (prompt) that the artist inputs into the image generator (such as Midjourney), so that the driving force behind the image is the text. One example of a key phrase related to blooming is: “Contemporary, large blooming crimson and yellow roses, lush velvety petals, dark green leaves, golden chiaroscuro glow, Baroque floral still life, UHD.”

Tanchum input into this work approximately 170 key phrases related to blooming and wilting. However, in each iteration, the words are translated into a different image, as the generator creates a different mix from the data. The result will never repeat itself, so that every image is singular, while shaping the transient nature of this computer-based artwork.

Artificial intelligence tools consume a significant amount of electricity. A popular chat tool, for example, consumes in one month the same amount of electricity as 175,000 people. Moody's rating company estimates that by 2028, the global demand for electricity will double. The high consumption of electricity from polluting sources (coal and oil) leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which are the main cause of climate change. Nevertheless, many countries are engaged in a race for both polluting and green energy sources in order to enable the AI revolution.

The duration of the blooming and wilting processes in the work are directly related to real-time data reflecting Israel's electricity consumption, which in addition to the country’s regular needs also provides the electricity for AI. The electricity-consumption data is displayed on the lower left side of the screen, and is divided into green energy (wind, solar) and polluting energy. Each cycle of blooming and wilting lasts three minutes: the more the electricity consumption depends on green energy, the longer the blooming process; and the more it depends on polluting energy, the more noticeable the wilting process.

Tanchum (born 1987), an artist and technologist, began his career as a creator of special effects for Hollywood cinema and music videos. In this work, which engages artificial intelligence to create beautiful images of generative flowers, he seeks to raise awareness to the massive use of AI and its side effects, which directly affect both humans and nature.