Exploring Jenn Karson’s AI Forest Exhibition: A Closer Look
Jenn Karson, an artist leading the Plant Machine Design Group at UVM, has embarked on a groundbreaking three-year project that delves into the realm of artificial intelligence and its potential to heal damaged leaves. Her work challenges the notion that AI cannot create art, as she harnesses this technology to generate new and optimistic possibilities.
The Generative Tree: Unraveling the Exhibition
Karson’s exhibition, aptly named “The Generative Tree,” is currently on display at the Phoenix in Waterbury until March 15. The showcase features over 600 small prints, four large prints, a sound component, and an interactive piece, all created with the assistance of the Plant Machine Design Group. The genesis of this project traces back to a devastating outbreak of spongy moth caterpillars in Karson’s Colchester neighborhood in 2021, which led to the demise of a 170-year-old oak tree on her property in 2023.
Healing Through Art and Technology
Karson’s central inquiry revolves around the symbiotic relationship between technology and the natural world. Through her exploration of damaged leaves, caterpillars, and the healing process of trees, she seeks to blend the organic and the artificial in a harmonious union. The exhibition unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate tapestry of AI-generated artwork.
The Intersection of Art and Technology
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “Life Lines” series, where Karson collaborates with machines to create massive prints that fuse AI-generated leaf outlines with traditional hand-drawn studies. The intricate details etched into aluminum blocks by a CNC router showcase the delicate balance between organic growth and mechanical precision. Karson’s artistic intention shines through as she navigates the nuances of working with technology to achieve her desired outcomes.
As visitors venture through “The Generative Tree,” they are met with a sensory experience that blends visual art with soundscapes inspired by nature. The intricate layers of data, the fusion of AI-generated images with traditional mediums, and the thematic exploration of creation and decay underscore Karson’s mastery in combining art and technology.
In a world where the boundaries between the natural and the artificial are increasingly blurred, Karson’s exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of art and technology. It prompts viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between innovation and tradition, creation and destruction, and the enduring beauty that emerges from this delicate balance. As Karson herself reflects on her journey with technology, she invites us to witness the magic that unfolds when artistry and innovation converge.
