27 October,2023 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi
Sidhant Gandhi in his element
In a realm where pixels are the canvas and algorithms serve as the brushes, Sidhant Gandhi A.K.A. 'Toosid' emerges as a pioneering AI artist whose work defies conventional norms and transports viewers into surreal alternate realities. Through his larger-than-life graphics, this enigmatic creator leverages the power of artificial intelligence to breathe life into the intangible, painting vibrant sequences that had previously resided solely within the corridors of our minds.
The central theme of Toosid's work is the depiction of alternate realities. These alternate realities are not constrained by the laws of physics or the limitations of our world. They are fantastical dreams and surreal visions that capture the essence of what we feel but cannot express. Toosid's art becomes the vessel for these expressions.
Midday had the privilege of sitting down with Toosid to decode his approach to AI art and delve into his creative psyche.
What sparks your imagination and how do you align it with Artificial Intelligence?
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There is no set process for me when it comes to conceiving the ideas for the content I create. It's a dynamic and ever-evolving journey where I dabble around with AI art on a daily basis to add a visual dimension to my thoughts and creativity. Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly, and I find that something will spontaneously pop up, igniting my creative curiosity. From there, I seize upon these seeds of inspiration and build upon them to craft meaningful and engaging visual conversations.
The human mind never stops thinking and the power of âwhat if' has always kept me on my toes ever since childhood. I have always leaned towards thinking beyond the usual maybe because I've always believed in the power of possibilities!
In terms of my creative process, I embrace the power of various AI platforms to bring my visions to life. I've been utilising a range of tools, including stable diffusion, runway ML, and open AI. These platforms have become my virtual canvases, each offering a unique set of capabilities that contribute to the diversity and depth of my work.
The process is inherently collaborative. I initiate a dialogue with the AI, introducing concepts and ideas that may have stemmed from my personal experiences, emotions, or societal themes. As I feed these prompts into the AI, it responds with its own interpretations, often surprising me with unexpected yet captivating outcomes. This dance between the intention, imagination, AI interpretation and my obsession with perfection is where the magic happens, sparking powerful conversations that transcend traditional artistic boundaries.
In essence, my creative journey with AI is a fluid exploration of the unknown, where randomness meets intention, and technology meets human emotion. It's about embracing the unpredictable, breaking free from conventions, and engaging in a continuous dialogue with the algorithms that amplify and redefine the possibilities of your personal expression.
What is the message you wish to convey through your work?
I don't adhere to a fixed message that I'm aiming to convey through my work. Instead, my art is a reflection of a personal journey - a journey into the depths of my own cosmogony, if you will. It's a venture into the intricate tapestry of my thoughts, emotions, experiences and imagination.
I believe that art's true power lies not in imposing a singular message, but in cultivating an environment where meaningful conversations can thrive. It's about inviting viewers to explore their own emotions, beliefs and interpretations as they engage with my work. In this sense, my creations serve as catalysts for personal discovery, encouraging a deeper connection with oneself and the world at large.
In this digital age where technology and human existence intertwine in unprecedented ways, I find myself compelled to explore the uncharted territories of this intersection. My creations, born from the collaboration between my artistic intentions and the enigmatic responses of AI, embody a fusion of human and machine perspectives to unveil the unseen or unheard. Moreover, my art is a manifestation of human fantasies allowing me to break conformity and blur boundaries between people, communities and geographies while I delve into a world we've somewhere thought of or have hoped that it existed.
Art is but a mirror of human complexities and the beauty of it lies in the freedom of both expression and interpretation. Through my art, I'm inviting viewers to embark on a contemplative voyage - a journey beyond the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Ultimately, the message that emerges from my art is a tapestry woven from the myriad threads of human experience, technology's influence and the infinite possibilities that arise when we venture into the realm where our own cosmogonies collide.
Through your creativity, how do you aim to promote inclusivity?
My art is usually a celebration of humans in all shape, size and color. As a child, my parents have always underscored the importance of sympathy and empathy and have ensured that I've always been to others what I've wanted them to be to me, these were the first set of life skills taught to me. In fact, I've always been reminded that everyone is equal since childhood.
So, inclusivity doesn't seem like a phenomenon to me but has been paramount.
Through my AI-generated art, I strive to create a space where diversity and representation flourish. The amalgamation of AI technology and human creativity offers a unique platform to bridge gaps and celebrate the rich tapestry of humanity.
My art doesn't adhere to conventional norms or preconceived notions, allowing me to transcend boundaries that might limit inclusivity. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, I can explore a wide spectrum of themes and concepts that resonate with individuals from various walks of life.
My art serves as a canvas for stories, emotions, and experiences that resonate universally, fostering empathy and understanding. I ensure that my creations reflect a diverse array of cultures, identities, and perspectives. This intentional representation goes beyond tokenism; it's a conscious effort to weave a rich tapestry of human existence that resonates deeply with a wider audience ultimately celebrating non-biased representations while breaking away from cookie-cutter strokes of depiction and promoting the highest levels of shared humanity.
What is your role, as an artist, in shaping a positive discourse on the culture of tolerance?
As an artist I, believe that I have the superpower to transform non-bias representations into compelling, tolerable and approachable narratives. Moreover, art is a great medium to legitimise positive conversations about social themes and topics that are both heavily polarised and rigidly defined.
My art becomes a vessel through which I infuse culture-based conversations with a sense of vitality and reassurance, making them more accessible to a wider audience. This is crucial in a world where understanding and empathy are imperative for societal progress.
One of the aspects that art excels in is its ability to challenge stereotypes, preconceptions, and biases. Through my work, I aim to subvert these norms, allowing viewers to engage with culture-based conversations from a fresh perspective. By weaving art into these discussions, I aim to instill a sense of openness, tolerance, and understanding, creating an environment where diverse viewpoints can coexist harmoniously.
So my role as an artist I think is to firstly archive the general cultural nuances that are happening around us right now, as it is. Secondly, I want to act as a conduit of change and a catalyst encouraging diverse viewpoints and opinions empowering people to evolve inclusively and reverently. Thirdly, plant seeds of ideas and perceptions that help other artists take over and form an ecosystem of a united art movement universally.