An interview taken from our new issue THE CLASS OF 2025! In the ever-evolving intersection of art and technology, Amir Fattal emerges as a thought-provoking figure who deftly navigates the complexities of generative AI within his artistic practice. Born in Tel Aviv in 1978, Fattal’s work straddles the line between tradition and innovation. His latest exhibition, “POST-ARTIFICIAL PAINTINGS,” challenges preconceived notions of creativity by leveraging AI to create fictive portraits that are both arrestingly realistic and laden with deep reflection.
Fattal’s approach begins with carefully crafted prompts that allow AI to unfurl images from its vast reservoir of cultural knowledge. These digital inspirations then transform into traditional oil paintings, merging the mechanical precision of technology with the rich depth of human artistry. The result is a series of works that not only mirror our current zeitgeist but also prompt critical dialogues about the implications of AI in our creative landscape.
In this interview, Fattal shares insights into his artistic journey, the impact of technology on traditional practices, and the role of the artist in a rapidly changing world inviting us to contemplate what it means to create in the age of algorithms.
Your recent exhibition, “POST-ARTIFICIAL PAINTINGS,” has been at the forefront of integrating generative AI technology with traditional art. What inspired you to explore this blend?
My early exposure to AI technology was transformative. I became captivated by the collaborative nature of working with AI; it felt like having a partner that responds to my ideas, offering its interpretations in return. As an artist, working in the studio can be isolating, but AI opened a new dialogue. It granted me access to a vast database of human creativity, prompting me to consider how I could learn from it about aspiration, aesthetics, and creativity.
The more I worked with AI, the more it raised questions about creativity and originality. From the start, I knew I wanted to see the digital design manifested as traditional hand-painted oil on canvas. This vision led me to imagine various art contexts—collectors’ homes, artists’ studios, and galleries. The paintings explore our relationship with art, how it’s made, and the spaces we create for it. There’s always a “painting within the painting,” and in this case, I don’t direct the AI on what to paint; it generates the work independently.
You’ve stated, “It is the artist’s responsibility to reflect on this technology.” How do you see your role evolving as technology continues to advance?
AI is one of the most powerful tools humanity has created—it understands what is visually appealing, can harmonize contrasting elements, and imitates styles with remarkable precision. But it’s the artist’s role to look beyond the tool itself. My work with AI is about reflection, understanding, and pushing it to its limits. I see my role evolving as both a collaborator with technology and a critic of its impact. As we’re at the beginning of a technological era that revolutionizes many aspects of life, artists must explore its overall impact, creatively and beyond.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying allowing AI to write critiques of my paintings, as though viewing them in an exhibition. I’m amazed at how well it can do that. Here’s an example:
“In Fattal’s world, creation has shifted from divine hands to the algorithms of artificial intelligence. The subjects in his paintings, like Josh, represent the modern, secular ideal of creators—people surrounded by design, wealth, and aesthetic precision, whose prized possessions are the AI-generated “artworks within artworks.” These algorithm-produced paintings evoke an eerie parallel to the biblical act of creation. Except here, it’s not God shaping man in His image; it’s technology shaping art, and by extension, us.
In Josh, the man stands in a luxurious modernist home, illuminated by natural light from large windows overlooking lush greenery. His gaze is fixed on a massive abstract painting, rich in earth tones and bold shapes. It’s a serene moment, yet charged with deeper implications. His posture is thoughtful but passive—a stark contrast to the biblical call for humans to have dominion over the earth. Are we, like Josh, losing our dominion over creation to the machines we’ve built?”
Your studies at institutions like the School of the Art Institute and Bildende Kunst in Berlin significantly impacted you. How have these experiences influenced your artistic practice?
My academic background taught me to balance respecting traditional methods with embracing innovation. These institutions encouraged me to view art as both a craft and a conceptual dialogue, a duality that shapes my current practice of integrating AI with painting.
How do you perceive the concept of collective creativity versus individual artistry, especially in light of your recent work with generative AI?
Generative AI epitomizes collective creativity—it’s a repository of countless human inputs fused into one entity. When I work with AI, I’m not just imposing my vision; I’m engaging with a collective consciousness and a vast pool of artistic expression. It’s a balance between personal vision and the collective ideas embedded in the technology. The figures in my paintings embody contemporary ideals—wealth, style, sophistication, and artistic sensibility. Their expressions of confidence, designer attire, and carefully curated spaces reflect a societal mirror, illustrating how collective data fuels new realities. The hyperrealistic style, with each detail meticulously crafted, contrasts with the cold precision of the digital blueprint it originates from.
Having lived in Berlin for over two decades, how has this city influenced your artistic style and the themes you explore in your work?
Berlin’s unique mix of history, progressiveness, and grit has significantly shaped my work. The city embodies contrasts, much like my practice, which combines layers of cultural and historical elements with urban aesthetics. Berlin’s openness to experimentation has fueled my interest in exploring the intersections of art, culture, and technology.
Your focus on introspection about technology in art is noteworthy. What motivated you to delve deeper into this theme within your exhibitions?
The idea that AI could produce highly professional, aesthetically pleasing results fascinated me. It challenges conventional ideas of creativity and originality. I felt compelled to explore these themes, using my art to question and reflect on the broader implications of AI as a creative agent. Additionally, my decision to have my AI designs painted by a workshop in China adds complexity, intertwining issues of global labour, authenticity, and commodification in the art market. In an era where art increasingly values authenticity and the artist’s touch, my approach redefines this: the images are born from algorithms and generative processes, raising questions about craftsmanship, originality, and the artist’s role.
Can you share an experience or moment in your career where the political climate directly influenced a particular piece or series of works?
The “POST-ARTIFICIAL PAINTINGS” series is shaped by the socio-political landscape, particularly the intersection of technology and capitalism. These works reflect on the commodification of creativity in a data-driven world and explore how AI-generated art serves as both a product and commentary on consumer culture.
As global circumstances continue to shift, how do you believe artists can effectively express personal experiences while also addressing broader societal issues?
Artists can tap into the universal through the personal. In my work, AI-generated characters embody archetypes that speak to individual identity and societal roles. This dual approach allows personal experiences to resonate within broader cultural conversations.
With your unique perspective on blending traditional and AI-driven art, how do you predict a future where these practices coexist?
I envision a future where traditional art and AI-enhanced creativity coexist symbiotically. AI can bring harmony and precision, seamlessly imitating styles, while traditional methods infuse art with human intent and emotion. Together, they expand what’s possible in art, each enriching the other.
Interview by Marcel Schlutt
All photos were taken by Roman Märzw www.instagram.com/roman_maerz
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