Mezs 2022
Is a speculative look into plausible new tree species that could cover the earth in the future to maintain natural balance. These new species are the result of evolution of existing ones and mutation between them using a machine learning algorithm. These trees have qualities from multiple trees from different environments. That allows them to be more resilient to future environments and in some cases even migrate away from the environment if it gets too harsh.
The art work engages with my growing interest in the application of AI and forests. Combining data collection of tree species from different environments (deserts, rain-forests, tundra, etc) and Machine Learning image-making techniques styleGans2. The result is a fictional collection of trees that proposes and simulates a future alteration of the planet biodiversity, with results that are often unimaginable, abstract and absurd.
https://www.mezs.ai/#/
Woodpecker 2016
In my ongoing research, I am investigating the feasibility of substituting certain bird species with artificial counterparts. This exploration is motivated by concerns regarding potential significant declines in bird populations in the near future. The idea is to assess whether artificial birds could serve as a viable alternative to help maintain the natural balance within forest ecosystems. While this concept may initially seem speculative, it is rooted in scientific studies concerning insect-eating plants, as well as the potential consequences of bird species extinction and their implications for forest ecosystems.
I embarked on an intriguing experiment to investigate the potential of artificial bird species in deterring plant-eating insects and maintaining ecological balance in a forest. In 2016, I installed a total of 30 custom-made woodpeckers in a forest.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Rihards Vitols
Latvia