From fear of fascination: Oliver Rust's creative journey with AI in Zurich

Von WOM

artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role in the world of photography, which brings with it both opportunities and challenges. This was also deeply moved by Oliver Rust, a photographer from Zurich. His path to deal with AI was initially shaped by fear, which soon turned into curiosity and fascination.

About two and a half years ago, Rust received an artificially generated picture of a ladybug from a friend. This picture showed the beetle on a leaf, brilliantly enlarged by a drop of water, something that can be captured almost impossible in real photography. At first he was impressed, but also asked himself whether his job could eventually become superfluous. As a result, he found that the topic quickly became popular and opened easily accessible tools for image generation.

From skepticism to creativity

rust is versatile and deals with various areas of photography, from architecture to fashion to still life. He dipped deeper into the world of AI, which revolutionized his creative work. "It was almost addictive," explains Rust. With the new possibilities he was able to realize ideas that previously did not seem to be realized due to financial or temporal restrictions.

The intensive preoccupation with AI culminated in his project "Visual Alchemy", which was exhibited in Zurich in November last year. With his work, Rust wanted to encourage the viewers to question the nature of reality.

As part of the upcoming Digital Arts Zurich Festival, Rust's series of pictures "Awakening Dream’s" will be shown from October 31 to November 10th. In connection with other artists, Rust's work is presented digitally on screens in the Museum of Design. His work is strongly inspired by his idol, the British photographer Tim Walker, who is known for his wonderful set designs.

The challenge of digitization

rust also personally experienced the negative sides of intensive AI generation. "After a month sole work with AI, I felt burned out," he admits, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in his job. It is this closeness to people who make photography so enriching.

Overall, Rust's development shows how important it is to find the balance between technological innovations and human contact in creative work. So there are numerous approaches to not only accept the role of AI in photography, but also actively shape it.

Visit the Digital Arts Zumich Festival and experience yourself how AI changes photography world.