In early 2024, the Envisioning Studio at Google invited three artists — Farah Al Qasimi, Charlie Engman and Max Pinckers — to create a collection titled “Alternative Images of AI.” The project aimed to explore the potential of photography to create new visual representations of AI, specifically by centering human experiences and our relationships with this technology, moving beyond conventional depictions.
The need for alternative images of AI
Stereotypical images of AI abound on the internet, often including illustrations of chips, neural networks and robots. While these representations are common, they offer only a surface-level glimpse into the technology, often reinforcing misconceptions and failing to capture both its true potential and its challenges. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it’s important to consider how visuals shape our understanding and engagement with the technology. With this project, we wanted to collaboratively explore with artists how photography might help people relate differently to AI.
The “Alternative Images of AI” exhibition
“Alternative Images of AI” presents a series of photographs that offer new, global perspectives on AI. All 15 works in this project are now exhibited at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City until January 6, 2025. But you can also explore it digitally below.
Farah, Charlie and Max used speculative photography, which refers to techniques like staged scenes and digital manipulation, while capturing images of people in the United Arab Emirates, Ghana and Belgium, respectively.
Selected for their expertise in using photography to bridge the gap between reality and fiction, we asked the photographers to respond to one fundamental question: What are the relationships we want to have with technologies powered by artificial intelligence today and tomorrow?
To date, AI has been typically characterized as something that is largely invisible or un-photographable. These photographs act as samples of societal reflections, representing how each artist imagined different communities relating to AI. Our hope is that they spark productive public conversations around how interacting with AI might make us feel.
Farah Al Qasimi
Farah Al Qasimi’s approach is to imagine how our understanding of the natural world, and of each other, might surpass language or description. Her work, shot in Abu Dhabi, doesn’t attempt to overstate the presence of AI, but instead explores the ways it may enable us to form connections with others beyond the limitations of a screen.