Austrian artist John Petschinger from Bad Tatzmannsdorf is exploring the intersection of traditional art and artificial intelligence as he prepares for his upcoming exhibitions. The innovative painter is using AI as a source of inspiration and creative dialogue to support his artistic process, particularly when developing new concepts for his works.
Petschinger, who showcased his works at the State Gallery last year, is currently planning exhibitions in major Austrian cities including Salzburg, Graz, and Vienna. His latest artistic experiment involves surrendering some creative control to artificial intelligence during the initial stages of his work. "I asked myself what would happen if I gave up the scepter and no longer decided exclusively by myself how I should approach a painting," Petschinger explained about his collaborative process with AI.
The artist's method involves feeding the AI system with his own photographs and thoughts, creating a unique dialogue between human creativity and machine learning. This approach serves as a tool for breaking out of familiar patterns and exploring new creative territories. However, Petschinger maintains his role as the final decision-maker when it comes to the actual painting process, ensuring that human artistry remains central to the finished works.
Some of Petschinger's AI-inspired works have already been presented in Hamburg, demonstrating the international appeal of his innovative approach. Over the coming months, audiences in Salzburg, Vienna, and Graz will have the opportunity to view these groundbreaking pieces that represent a new frontier in contemporary art. The artist was recently visited by ORF Burgenland editor David Marousek in his studio in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, where he demonstrated his unique creative process that blends traditional painting techniques with cutting-edge technology.
