Living Creatures in a Plastic Bag
with Mariam Sitchinava

Could you share a brief overview of your journey into photography and what inspires you creatively?

I'm Mariam Sitchinava, a self-taught film photographer who began her journey in 2009 with the gift of her first film camera. Drawing inspiration from the beauty found in everyday life, I meticulously stage and plan my photo shoots. Through my lens, I capture moments that evoke nostalgia and emotion, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scenes I create.

Photo: Mariam Sitchinava

Regarding your project "Living Creatures in a Plastic Bag.”, can you tell us more about the series - about the background and your intention? How does it differ from your traditional photographic work?

My project, 'Living Creatures in a Plastic Bag,' I made it with AI to create captivating images that I find intriguing. They show different moods, lighting, colors, and textures, making them interesting. These pictures break the rules of traditional art and make us think differently.

Photo: Mariam Sitchinava

Can you tell us more about the process of how you integrated AI into your artistic practice and how the collaboration between you and the AI took place?

Integrating AI into my artistic practice has been an incredibly fascinating journey. Initially, I explored various AI tools and algorithms to understand how they could augment my creative process. I experimented with different techniques and applications until I found a workflow that resonated with me.

Photo: Mariam Sitchinava

What role did your own creativity play in relation to the AI-generated images, and what was the relationship between human intervention and algorithmic generation?

My creativity guides the process of AI-generated images. I provide input and refine the output to align with my vision, shaping the final artwork. This collaboration between human intuition and algorithmic generation allows for the creation of unique and captivating pieces.

Photo: Mariam Sitchinava

What is your biggest learning in working with AI - especially in relation to your actual work as a photographer? What challenges did you face when creating an AI-generated image series, and how did you overcome them?

In the beginning, learning the use of AI in my work posed its challenges, but through persistence and practice, I gradually refined my skills. I've learned not to rely solely on one AI tool and to integrate human intervention into the process. This approach ensures a balanced outcome that aligns with my artistic vision. Over time, my efforts have paid off, resulting in the achievement of visually satisfying final pieces.