Sarp Kerem Yavuz opens his first AI-photography exhibition using Layer AI

In a world where the boundaries between human creativity and technological innovation continue to blur, the art of photography has found itself at the forefront of a digital renaissance. This intersection is brilliantly exemplified by the groundbreaking work of Sarp Kerem Yavuz, whose solo exhibition “Glorious Century” hosted at Anna Laudel Istanbul from September 22 to November 5, 2023, delves into the profound interplay between artistry, identity, and the boundless potential of the digital realm.

The exhibition, spanning two stories of the Anna Laudel Gallery, offers a captivating journey through time, tradition, and technology. Through film-based, digital, and AI-generated photographs of the male form, Yavuz’s “Glorious Century” explores themes as diverse as Orientalism, homoerotica, politics, religion, and violence. What sets this exhibition apart is the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, specifically Layer AI, the custom engine which allows creators to train their own AI models using their custom art work which adds an entirely new dimension to Yavuz’s creative repertoire.

At the heart of this artistic endeavor lies WET_DREAMS, a striking collection of AI-generated photographs meticulously crafted using the generative AI engine Layer AI. The innovative approach offered by Layer AI allowed Yavuz to bridge the gap between his traditional photography and the digital frontier.

Using Layer AI engine built on his decade-long photography practice, Yavuz seamlessly blended damp male forms with architectural details of Turkish bath interiors. Flames, steam, and smoke dance in harmony, defying the rules of physics and creating surreal portraits that challenge the viewer’s perceptions of reality.

What makes WET_DREAMS truly revolutionary is the process behind its creation. Yavuz embarked on a year-long exploration of various AI engines before collaborating with Layer AI. Unlike previous experiences, this collaboration provided him with the freedom to create without limits all in his own custom art style. He meticulously curated a dataset that included (1) his own traditional photographs, (2) AI-generated images crafted with assistance from Midjourney, and (3) reference images by renowned photographers such as Peter Hujar, Ara Güler, and Robert Mapplethorpe. By associating his choice of words with these images, Yavuz conducted an unparalleled linguistic experiment, exploring the intricate relationship between human expression and machine interpretation.

The result is an exquisite fusion of art and technology, where Yavuz’s AI-generated works serve as a testament to his photographic history and digital future. Each image becomes a tribute, not just to the visual aesthetics but also to the linguistic nuances embedded within Yavuz’s creative language.

The exhibition as a whole stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that emerge when artists embrace technology as a medium for creative expression. Yavuz’s work blurs the lines between self-expression and technological interpretation, inviting viewers to question the very essence of art and the evolving role of the artist in the digital age.

“Glorious Century” not only redefines the conventional boundaries of photography but also challenges our perceptions of identity, creativity, and the profound impact of artificial intelligence on the art world. As visitors walk through the halls of Anna Laudel Istanbul, they are not merely witnessing an exhibition; they are embarking on a transformative journey through the captivating realms of human imagination and machine ingenuity.

This exhibition stands as a beacon, guiding us into a future where artistry knows no bounds, where creativity and technology harmonize, and where artists like Sarp Kerem Yavuz continue to push the envelope of what is possible in the glorious centuries that lie ahead.

To visit the exhibition in person or purchase one of the revolutionary art works from Sarp visit: https://annalaudel.gallery/artists/sarp-kerem-yavuz

A heartfelt congrats to Sarp for pushing boundaries of AI, thanks for creating with Layer AI!