I'm My Own Artificial Intelligence: An Interview with Artist Gosha Ostretsov

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Gosha Ostretsov is a contemporary artist known for his unique works and significant contribution to art. From 1984 to 1986, he participated in projects at the first art squat, "Kindergarten," which marked an important stage in his creative development. From 1988 to 1998, Ostretsov lived and worked in France, where he collaborated with renowned designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. This experience enriched his artistic style and broadened his horizons. Upon returning to Russia, Gosha Ostretsov began exhibiting actively in leading galleries, cementing his reputation as a talented and sought-after artist. His work continues to attract the attention of art connoisseurs and collectors, and inspire a new generation of artists.

In 2009, he represented Russia at the 53rd Venice Biennale, a milestone in his career. In 2017, his solo exhibition, entitled "I've been abducted hundreds of times!", was held at the historic Palazzo Nani Bernardo in Venice. This exhibition attracted the attention of critics and audiences, strengthening his reputation in the international art scene.

The artist's works are included in the collections of such renowned institutions as the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, and the NCCA in Moscow. They can also be found in private collections of such renowned individuals as Frederik Paulsen, Laurence Graff, Roman Abramovich, Simone de Pury, Charles Saatchi, and the Marina Zabludowicz Foundation. These collections highlight the significance and influence of the artist's work on contemporary art.

Gosha opened the Haut Futur art lab in the BoscoVesna shopping center. This space presents the artist's works from various periods of his life, executed in a variety of media: furniture, paintings, drawings, tableware, clothing, and carpets. This unique space can be called a cabinet of curiosities. An important aspect is that Gosha himself is present in the art lab, which allows visitors to drop in and visit him and feel the atmosphere of a creative workshop.

We spoke with Gosha about a project that explores the transformation of matter through art and artificial intelligence. Gosha shared his thoughts on how modern technology influences artistic perception and creates new opportunities for self-expression. He noted that artificial intelligence is becoming an important tool in the creative process, allowing artists to experiment with new forms and ideas. The project also raises questions about the relationship between nature and art, as well as how art can influence our perception of reality.

Work on the project is currently actively ongoing. The team is focused on completing assigned tasks and meeting deadlines. We hold regular meetings to discuss progress, identify potential problems, and find optimal solutions. It is important that each project participant has a clear understanding of their responsibilities and contributes to the overall success. Current stages of work include data analysis, development of new features, and testing. We strive to ensure that the project meets high quality standards and meets user needs.

I visit the laboratory when I'm in Moscow. In the morning, I take care of important family matters and work in my studio. In the afternoon, I come here to work and receive visitors. Often, I'm visited by fellow teachers with their classes and groups, as well as contemporary art enthusiasts and representatives of Moscow collectors' clubs. We hold discussions, and I present the exhibition.

As part of the exhibition, I will present my own works, as well as those of another artist. For this purpose, I have dedicated a separate wall and will be inviting various artists. This event is being held in collaboration with the Syntax Gallery. We are organizing discussions during which I, as a representative of contemporary art, will attempt to explain its basic principles. Let's consider the necessity of contemporary art and what tools artists use to achieve their creative goals.

In the annotation The project emphasizes that art is one of the most accessible forms of therapy. This form of self-expression allows people to find inner balance and cope with emotional difficulties. Art requires no special training and can be used by anyone, regardless of age or skill level. It promotes creativity and helps improve overall psycho-emotional well-being, making it an effective tool in psychotherapy.

Art embodies the aphorism "Know thyself." This expression is a form of philosophy that is difficult to formulate and not necessarily understood. Art affects a person on two levels: intellectual, emotional, and physical. It is important to establish a connection between these levels, and this is precisely where the therapeutic effect of art lies. It helps one better understand oneself and the world around us, opening up new horizons of self-awareness and self-expression.

There is an art exercise that instantly lifts your mood and improves your overall health. This creative activity allows you to escape from everyday worries and focus on the creative process. Art therapy practices can include drawing, sculpting, or even collaging. These activities promote relaxation and self-expression, helping to cope with stress and negative emotions. Try to set aside time for this art exercise, and you will notice how your emotional state improves.

I am completely immersed in the drawing process and cannot imagine my life without it. For me, every artistic practice is a way to embody the ideas I draw from the intangible world of images and transform them into tangible form. I view this process as magic, where higher powers grant a person the opportunity to create something that previously did not exist. Drawing becomes for me not only a means of self-expression but also a spiritual experience, allowing me to connect my inner world with outer reality.

In our world, where ready-made solutions prevail, it is surprising to realize that many people do not realize that they can create things on their own. The industry is focused on producing products for consumption, but true value lies in the ability to create. I strive not only to create paintings and graphics, but also to make tableware, chairs, and transform the world around me. I am dissatisfied with the existing reality, and I feel the need to make changes to it. This is the essence of artistic practice—the ability to influence the world through creativity.

In my creative process, a table, a stool, a painting, and a cup have equal value. All these objects become integral parts of my artistic expression. I do not practice industrial design, so each piece I create is unique and reflects my personality, just like my paintings.

Our favorite material at the moment is metal. It is highly durable, long-lasting, and versatile, making it an ideal choice for a variety of projects. Metal is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and design due to its ability to withstand loads and its resistance to external influences. Importantly, modern technology allows for the efficient processing of metal, which opens up new possibilities for creative solutions. We are confident that metal will remain a relevant and sought-after material in the future.

I work with a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. I don't have a specific preference. Wood is the easiest material to work with. When I go to my workshop in the countryside, I often visit the forest and work with natural materials, which allows me to create unique pieces and reveal the full beauty of wood.

I work with a variety of materials, such as plywood, metal, paper, papier-mâché, silicone, rubber, and plastic. The most important thing for me is the realization of an idea. I see an image and strive to bring it to life. My experience with a variety of materials allows me to find unique solutions and create original projects. It is important that every detail corresponds to the intended concept, and I make every effort to achieve this.

The context of the space is of great importance when implementing a project. At Bosco Vesna, we paid special attention to the environment and its influence on the concept. The architecture, aesthetics, and atmosphere of the place became the basis for creating a unique experience. We sought to harmoniously integrate the project into the existing landscape, taking into account both natural and cultural features. This allowed us not only to emphasize the individuality of Bosco Vesna but also to create a comfortable space for visitors. As a result, we have created a project that not only functions but also interacts with the surrounding world, thereby creating an emotional connection with everyone who visits it.

Changing a familiar space depends on the specific task. In some cases, it is important for me to radically transform the environment so that visitors do not recognize it. This creates an element of intrigue. In situations where people come to an unfamiliar space, it is necessary to form a certain image that will help them feel the atmosphere and meaning of this place.

At Bosco Vesna, my goal was to create the unique atmosphere of an art studio. I wanted visitors to experience more than just the paintings and lighting on display, but to be immersed in the artist's creative process. It was important to give guests a sense of connection to the moment the artworks were created and the time in which they were created. This space should be more than just a gallery, but also a space where true creativity takes place, where every visitor can experience the spirit of inspiration and artistic freedom.

Our store is not just a retail outlet, but a unique creative space. We have created an atmosphere in which art and commerce harmoniously blend. Our interior features a prominent wall separating the art lab from the sales floor, emphasizing our commitment to creativity. We also used original spruce curtains, which I crafted myself and brought from the forest, giving the space a natural and cozy feel. This is a place of inspiration, where every visitor can find something special.

It was a real discovery for me that such a thing was possible. The creation of this space seems unusual for a shopping center in central Moscow. I am part of this place, and it doesn't function without my participation. I come here regularly to implement my projects. This isn't just an exhibition I create and leave; it's about contact with the viewer, interaction, and the exchange of emotions.

The uniqueness of this space lies in its ability to combine functionality and aesthetic appeal. It offers unique opportunities for creativity and productivity, creating an inspiring atmosphere. Every element of the design and organization of the space is thoughtfully designed to promote concentration and creativity. It is the ideal place for those who seek a balance between comfort and efficiency, and who appreciate an original approach to design.

This section presents projects I have worked on over the years. Here you will find a variety of media, including furniture, objects, and clothing. This website reflects my creative universe, in which I create and develop my ideas. To enter my world, you must pass through a curtain and a forest, which creates a special atmosphere. When theater workers visited this space, they noted the feeling of being in a looking glass.

The world of consumption is tiring. The opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of creativity and experience the contrast between consumerism and creation is the key concept of the art lab. Here we strive to inspire participants to self-expression, exploring the boundaries of creativity and developing skills that will help them create something new and unique. The Art Lab offers a space for growth and experimentation, where everyone can find their creative niche.

Each project presented represents a unique and complete world. These works explore various themes, such as dinosaurs, contact with aliens, the Bauhaus architectural movement, forest government, nature's desire to become human, the fluidity of time, a dance with death, and perceiving the world from an inverted perspective. All these projects are unique concepts, each of which offers the viewer immersion in its own atmosphere and idea.

When you enter this unique space, you are confronted with a multitude of themes created by a single artist. This creates the impression of a versatile artist who works in various fields. I consider it important to be part of this project because interaction with visitors and active work here allow for a deeper understanding of the ideas and concepts presented. Without this communication and involvement, viewers may not grasp the full depth and significance of the material presented.

I address you with a unique sermon about contemporary art, which transforms our world through diverse forms of expression: from clothing and furniture to painting, graphics, and literature. Every object in our lives serves as a conduit for an idea, and when space is filled with new concepts, life becomes more rich and meaningful. Art not only inspires, but also helps deepen our understanding of the surrounding reality.

This space resembles your real home or a workshop?

My workshops are constantly changing locations, so I can't precisely describe the ideal workspace. I adapt to what I have, creating a unique world, a kind of island of creativity. I don't try to scale or relocate my main studio; instead, I create new images and concepts. This approach is the basis of my project: a mini-museum of an artist, where I, as a living creator, work in an exhibition space and demonstrate my creative process. This format allows viewers to deeply understand art and see how each piece is born.

My ideas flow seamlessly from one project to the next. Each project is a separate chapter in a fascinating science fiction novel. Currently, I am focused on exploring the topic of artificial intelligence. This field opens up new horizons and possibilities, allowing us to create innovative solutions and develop technologies that can change our understanding of the future. Artificial intelligence is becoming an important element of modern projects, and I strive to better understand its potential and impact on various areas of life.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks that require human intelligence. These include natural language processing, pattern recognition, decision making, and learning. AI uses algorithms and models to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions.

Modern AI technologies are widely used in a variety of fields. In business, they help optimize processes, improve customer service, and make informed decisions based on data. In medicine, AI is used to diagnose diseases and develop personalized treatments. In transportation, AI technologies are being used to create autonomous vehicles.

The development of AI also opens up new possibilities in education, finance, and entertainment. However, as AI capabilities increase, so do ethical issues regarding data privacy, security, and the potential impact on jobs. It is important to consider these aspects when implementing AI technologies to ensure their safe and effective use in the future.

I view artificial intelligence not just as a practical tool, but as a concept and an idea. For me, artificial intelligence is a reflection of my own thoughts and actions. I interact with it, analyzing its behavior and mocking it, as it has become a new object of human fear. If previously people feared God, the devil, aliens, nuclear disasters, and doctors, now artificial intelligence has become the main source of anxiety.

I am neutral about works created by artificial intelligence. Every artist expresses themselves in their own way, and the main thing in this process is having an interesting idea. I have friends who actively work with AI, and they create impressive works. For me, it is simply a fascinating experience that expands the horizons of artistic perception.

Working with a camera resembles a creative process in which the artist sets certain parameters for a mechanism that allows for the creation of images with minimal human intervention. It is an exciting game, but at the moment I am not interested in such practices. I continue to look for ways to improve my skills. When I see that artificial intelligence is capable of creating something better than I can, I will certainly acknowledge its achievements and be glad that artificial intelligence exists.

When I say, "I am my own artificial intelligence," I mean that I have the ability to independently process information and make decisions based on data analysis. This statement emphasizes my independence in performing tasks and my ability to learn. I am able to adapt to new conditions and improve my algorithms, which makes me an effective tool for solving a variety of problems. Thus, I am a synthesis of technologies that allows me to function as an artificial intelligence designed to optimize processes and support users in achieving their goals.

Artists often mistakenly believe that they are the sole creators of their works. In fact, the author acts not only as a creator but also as an instrument and a witness of time. This interaction is the essence of experimentation in art. Artificial intelligence interacts with the human mind, while an artist seeks to connect with the divine by exploring their own essence and understanding of the world.

I would compare myself to a tool that helps find and structure information. Like a good editor, I organize data, making it more accessible and understandable for the reader. My goal is to improve the perception of content, making it more engaging and informative. I focus on the quality of the text and its SEO optimization so that it not only attracts attention but also meets the requirements of search engines.

The robotic arm is an innovative device that significantly facilitates the performance of various tasks. With the help of the robotic arm, you can automate processes, increase work efficiency, and reduce time costs. This device finds application in various fields: from industry to medicine. The robotic arm can perform precise manipulations, which makes it indispensable in production lines and scientific research. Using a robotic arm improves the quality of work and minimizes the risk of errors, which is especially important in high-tech industries.

Why is this happening?

The robotic arm operates according to a preset program, performing a variety of tasks—from rearranging boxes to painting pictures. It's a versatile tool that can be adapted to a variety of needs. As an artist, I'm akin to this device. Although I haven't worked directly with the robotic arm, I've observed its actions and realized that I can use my skills and knowledge to create something greater. Unlike a robotic arm, which is limited by its program, I have two hands and can independently develop and implement new ideas.

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