I was honored to create this commissioned artwork by Pollicy for the Afrofeminist Data Museum in 2024. It took me 3 days to complete this piece
The art installation for the Afrofeminist Data Museum is a multi-layered piece
that celebrates the intersection of African women, AI, and technology. It is
designed to engage viewers through visual depth, vibrant imagery, and
compelling storytelling. The installation consists of three distinct yet
interconnected layers.
that celebrates the intersection of African women, AI, and technology. It is
designed to engage viewers through visual depth, vibrant imagery, and
compelling storytelling. The installation consists of three distinct yet
interconnected layers.
First Layer
The Code of Creation The foremost layer is crafted from clear Perspex, featuring an AI image prompt and the underlying code. This transparent layer is suspended a few centimetres from the second layer to create depth and perspective. The code illustrates the process of generating the AI image, offering viewers a glimpse into the technical foundation of AI art. Embedded LED lights simulate the effect of blue light, symbolizing the digital environment and the continuous flow of
data.
data.
Frame: Metal frame with LED Lights
Print: Clear Perspex
Second Layer
The second layer is a multimedia showcases the main AI-generated image prompt: an
African woman facing forward with braided electric cords and spark plugs, depicted in Thayu style. She wears sunglasses made of cogs, broken CD pieces, and a clock, set against a vibrant leso pattern background. The tagline "Give AI a seat because it is here to stay" is prominently displayed in Kiswahili. This layer features a phone at the woman's mouth, which displays AI-generated text to give the illusion that she is speaking. Additional LED strips are integrated to highlight her hair and e-waste Maasai-like jewellery, adding dynamic illumination to the artwork.
African woman facing forward with braided electric cords and spark plugs, depicted in Thayu style. She wears sunglasses made of cogs, broken CD pieces, and a clock, set against a vibrant leso pattern background. The tagline "Give AI a seat because it is here to stay" is prominently displayed in Kiswahili. This layer features a phone at the woman's mouth, which displays AI-generated text to give the illusion that she is speaking. Additional LED strips are integrated to highlight her hair and e-waste Maasai-like jewellery, adding dynamic illumination to the artwork.
Print: Background on Corex Board, Foreground on Forex board with recyclable E-waste
Frame Material: Canvas reinforced with Wire mesh and plywood
Third Layer
The Progress The final layer, positioned behind is the Afrofeminist data futures manifesto
Print: on Corex
Frame: Metal Frame
Testing after installation
For the love of experimenting, I decided to use Midjourney to see what it would create based on the artist's brief I had developed.
My first prompt was: "African woman facing forward with braided electric cords, realistic photo, wearing e-waste, v6 HD." It was a good attempt, but not as fruitful as I had hoped it would be. Here are the results:
My second prompt was so much more successful.
PROMPT:
An African woman facing forward with braided electric cords and spark plugs, styled in Thayu fashion. She is wearing sunglasses made of cogs, broken CD pieces, and a clock. The background features a vibrant leso pattern. The tagline reads, 'Give AI a seat because it is here to stay'. She has a phone at her mouth, talking, and is adorned with Maasai-like jewelry made from e-waste. v5 HD
