Art from AI + fMRI: Brainwaves to Brushstrokes, Obvious’s Mind-to-Image Art Revolutionizes Creativity
The Fascinating Use of fMRI in Creating Art
Growing up, my elder brother and I couldn’t have been more different. While he delved into the complexities of human anatomy, I immersed myself in the vibrant world of visual art. He became an anaesthetist, mastering the science of sedation and the subtleties of brain waves. Meanwhile, I found solace in colours and forms, creating visual narratives that expressed my innermost thoughts. Neither of us realised how our seemingly divergent paths would one day converge in the most unexpected ways.
Only recently did I discover the potential of an MRI scanner as a tool for artistic creation. My brother, ever the pragmatic doctor, had never considered this possibility. This revelation came to me through the groundbreaking work of the French collective Obvious. Their latest project, “IMAGINE,” merges functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) with artificial intelligence to transform the human imagination into visual art. The concept is as surreal as it is innovative: using fMRI scans, Obvious captures the visual activity of the brain and, through sophisticated machine learning algorithms, translates these signals into tangible images.
Their latest work, “Stagnant Elixir’s Sweet (2024),” currently up for auction at Christie’s, exemplifies this fusion of technology and creativity. The piece, generated directly from the minds of Obvious’s members, is a testament to what they call “Neo-Surrealism,” an artistic movement that transcends the boundaries of our consciousness. The artwork is a mesmerizing landscape, featuring an earth-toned terrain with veined shapes and foreign flora, set against a backdrop of pointed monuments and a yellow sky swirling with luminescent clouds. The effect is otherworldly, inviting viewers to explore the uncharted territories of the human mind.
Obvious’s work is not just a visual spectacle; it is a philosophical statement. It challenges us to rethink the limits of human creativity and the role of technology in art. In their words, this project represents a “new Renaissance,” where science and technology offer endless possibilities for artistic expression. As someone who has always valued the organic process of creation, I find this blend of art and science both thrilling and a bit unsettling.
The collective’s journey began with the sale of “Edmond de Belamy, from La Famille de Belamy” at Christie’s in 2018. This A.I.-generated portrait sold for a staggering $432,500, far exceeding its high estimate of $10,000. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in the art market, one where collectors are increasingly drawn to works created through innovative technological processes.
As I reflect on Obvious’s achievements, I can’t help but think about my brother and the untapped artistic potential of medical technology. Our fields, once seen as polar opposites, now appear to be complementary in ways we never imagined. The fusion of fMRI and AI in creating art opens up new avenues for exploration, where the medical and the creative intersect to produce something truly unique.
This convergence of disciplines underscores the importance of an open mind in both science and art. It reminds us that creativity is not confined to traditional media but can flourish through the integration of diverse fields. As artists and technologists, we must embrace these intersections, pushing the limits of what is possible and expanding our understanding of human potential.
In a world where technology is often seen as a threat to human creativity, Obvious’s work serves as a powerful reminder of its potential to enhance and expand our artistic horizons. It challenges us to rethink our preconceptions and explore the myriad ways in which art and technology can coexist, each enriching the other.
As my brother and I continue our respective journeys, I am grateful for the unexpected ways our paths have intersected, reminding me that the pursuit of knowledge and creativity knows no bounds.
As I prepare to hit the publish button, the bid for OBVIOUS’s “Stagnant Elixir’s Sweet” at Christie’s has soared to USD 15,120.00, with just an hour and a half remaining before the auction closes. The excitement in the air is palpable as art enthusiasts and collectors eagerly await the outcome.
