Arice: “Creative AI Stirred Up a Sense of Unease'”
Italian artist Andrea Arice has gone from skepticism to enthusiasm when it comes to creative AI. Today, he seamlessly incorporates it into his artistic toolbox, while also witnessing the rise of a vibrant digital creator community. With creative agencies taking a backseat, artists like Arice now have the opportunity to collaborate directly with major brands
Your work often defies categorization, blending elements of fashion, art, and cinematography. How do you see your work evolving in the years to come?
– My work serves as a personal way to share my experiences and feelings, without any limitations. This is strongly reflected when I look back at my early years in digital art where the themes and stories were clearly tied to my own life. As I plan for the future, I envision a shift toward fashion, still maintaining my unconventional approach. In fact, I’m quite excited about the prospect of turning my digital fashion designs into real-life outfits. It’s not just about creating art that people can appreciate, but fashion that they can actually wear and love. As I see it, blending these digital and physical elements will define the future of fashion.
In recent years, we have seen more and more collaborations between fashion and digital entertainment. How do you see this trend progressing in the future?
– Indeed, direct collaborations between fashion brands and digital artists or creators have gained significant traction recently, which is a positive shift I greatly appreciate. Historically, fashion brands relied heavily on design agencies, who would engage creators to produce unique artwork for the brands. However, this often resulted in creators receiving disproportionally low compensation for their contributions, with agencies capitalizing on their work. Today’s climate is markedly different. Artists and creators can forge partnerships directly with brands, resulting in not only better compensation but also a higher degree of creative freedom. It’s a beneficial scenario that allows artists to hone their craft without having to juggle freelance work to financially sustain themselves. Looking ahead, I see this direct collaboration trend not only persisting but flourishing in a way that enriches the creator community.
With the rise of digital fashion influencers and avatars, do you see a future where virtual fashion is just as important as physical fashion?
– In a society where the digital realm has become an increasingly significant part of our lives, it is only natural to envision a future where virtual fashion holds equal importance to its physical counterpart. As we immerse ourselves in the digital landscape, where time is fluid and the boundaries of reality blur, physical fashion may evolve into a manifestation of digital expression. It becomes a consequence, a tangible translation of the limitless creativity that emerges from the virtual realm. The future of fashion, to me, lies in the delicate balance between the tangible and the intangible, where they intertwine and coexist in perfect harmony. It is an era where the ephemeral and the enduring dance together, where the boundaries of imagination are shattered, and where fashion becomes a living tapestry of innovation and self-expression. In this new chapter, the canvas of fashion expands beyond the physical constraints, allowing us to explore uncharted territories of creativity and personal style.
You’ve been playing around a bit with Stable Diffusion. How do you see AI tools being a part of digital arts moving forward? Is it just a tool or will it also be able to do creative work do you think?
– I’ll be honest when AI first emerged, it stirred up a sense of unease within me. I couldn’t help but question my own role in the future of art. Would AI be able to replicate my style, perhaps even surpass it? These thoughts plagued my mind. However, as I delved deeper into the world of AI and explored tools like MidJourney and stable diffusion, I came to realize that AI is merely a masterful mimic, replicating what already exists and offering variations of it. It became clear to me that we, as artists, still hold the reins of creating something truly novel, at least for now. AI, in my eyes, is a tool that can enhance our creative process.
– Ultimately, art springs forth from our interpretation of life experiences, our passions, and the things that ignite our souls. As artists, it is our duty to embrace the presence of AI and integrate it into our workflow. It becomes a part of our journey, a tool that aids us in refining and expanding our artistic expression. Currently, I find myself utilizing AI to create intricate patterns for my garments. However, I envision a future where I can venture into 2D AI-generated environments, seamlessly intertwining them with my 3D design avatar. The possibilities are exhilarating, as AI opens up new avenues for exploration and experimentation. In the end, I’ve come to realize that AI is not a threat to my creativity, but rather a companion on my artistic journey. It is up to us, the artists, to harness its potential and infuse it with our unique perspectives and passions. Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible and create art that resonates deeply with both ourselves and the world around us.
You are selling your work as NFT:s. How do think the market will gain traction again? Or will it?
– I think now that the initial hype around NFTs has faded, a lot of people who were just in it for the money have moved on, which is great because it gives actual artists a chance to shine. Personally, I dream of being able to make a living by selling my own NFT. It would be amazing to wake up every morning and just focus on creating my next piece. NFTs are a fantastic technology that was originally meant for artists, and I believe they will find a way to become relevant again in the future.
You’re about to launch your own digital fashion brand, Fake. What inspired you to create this brand and what can you tell us about it?
– FAKE was born from my personal experience with the exorbitant prices of high-end fashion collaborations. The spark ignited when I attempted to purchase a cardigan from the Adidas-Gucci collaboration, priced at an astounding $4500, which was beyond my reach. This moment triggered a memory of my mother gifting me a counterfeit Adidas jacket, an ‘Abibas’, a fun fact I only realized years later when a friend pointed it out. This blend of authenticity and imitation inspired me to create my first design and video, leading to the realization that I needed a unique space, a world where these designs could thrive. FAKE is a brand that embraces the punk vibe, nonsensical narratives, electronic music, and the thrill of unexpected collaborations. It’s a mirror reflecting my identity, my love for boundless experimentation, and my desire to challenge the norm. As FAKE evolves, my vision is to transition from using established brands to carving out my own niche. I aspire to establish FAKE as a genuine digital brand, my own playground.
With technology constantly evolving, how do you ensure that your work remains relevant? Can you walk us through your process for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and tools?
– I prefer not to follow trends, particularly in the realm of software. Each time I initiate a new project, I establish a set of challenges that necessitate varied skill sets. This is my method of learning new skills without getting overwhelmed by the unnecessary intricacies of software or techniques that I may never employ or forget within a day. Maintaining a clear scope is crucial to stay focused on acquiring skills that will be genuinely applicable. For instance, learning to animate a zebra or an alligator, or understanding how to use stable diffusion to create tileable patterns. With a defined objective, it becomes simpler to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new learning opportunities
Looking ahead to the future, what are your biggest hopes and concerns?
– Moving forward, my primary aspiration is to channel my energy toward personal artistic growth. I aim to minimize distractions from client-based projects and shift my focus toward creating more of my own work. I am eager to collaborate with other artists and immerse myself in a community, an endeavor I am currently pursuing. As for concerns, the emergence of AI stands out. Its trajectory and potential impacts remain largely unknown. However, we undoubtedly live in an exhilarating era where possibilities are boundless, both positive and negative. Regardless of the outcome, I choose to embrace this uncertainty with a smile on my face.
Further reading on digital fashion and creative AI:
