Bas Uterwijk (Ganbrood)

Following the Industrial Revolution, machines replaced physical labor, and the digital age took over cognitive tasks. Now, with the rise of AI, we stand on the brink of a new era where machines not only assist but actively shape our imagination. These systems are no longer mere tools—they are collaborators, capable of translating abstract dreams into vivid, visual creations. Yet this potential inspires both awe and fear, raising important questions about creativity, authorship, and the role of the artist.

Throughout history, humans have expressed their collective memory and emotions through myth, painting, sculpture, photography, and film. Generative AI extends this tradition, distilling centuries of cultural heritage into new, uncharted forms. It bridges past and future, remixing timeless themes through a modern, digital lens. Rather than replacing human creativity, it amplifies it, offering the ability to create what was once impossible by blending styles, symbols, and ideas across cultures and eras.

For Ganbrood, the artist’s role is essential in navigating this revolutionary medium. Generative AI redefines storytelling, inviting collaboration where the artist becomes a guide, shaping machine output with intention and vision. This partnership not only pushes creative boundaries but also addresses public concerns around originality and ethics, ensuring AI remains a tool for human expression rather than a substitute for it.