I work with AI, but drawing is the best thing in the world for me, says Indian artist
Indian artist Sahej Rahal discusses his innovative exhibition that merges traditional art with interactive AI-driven experiences.
Sahej Rahal, an Indian artist and game developer, showcases his unique exhibition titled "Beyond the City of Time" at the Rudolfinum Gallery, which is set to run until May 10. The exhibit features an interactive setup where players can create narratives through a cooperative gaming environment involving three-legged creatures navigating portals to various worlds. Rahal's work challenges the conventional distinction between high and low art, as he integrates elements from traditional drawing and sculptures made of foam with cutting-edge AI technology.
Despite the impression that AI plays a mere supportive role in his creations, Rahal emphasizes that he himself programmed the AI used in the exhibition. This highlights his hands-on approach to art and technology, contrasting with the common perception that AI-generated art is simply the product of feeding prompts into a system. Instead, Rahal's work serves as an engaging exploration of interactivity and narrative, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a collaborative experience that transcends traditional artistic boundaries.
Rahal reflects on his journey into game development, noting that he learned the craft through resources available on YouTube. This speaks to both his self-driven nature and the democratizing power of digital platforms in contemporary art-making. Through this exhibition, Rahal not only showcases his artistic vision but also raises questions about the future of art in the age of AI and how traditional forms can adapt and coexist with technological advancements.