Controversial, maybe?

I know the use of AI is a very controversial area.  Love it or hate it, it's here to stay.  In my opinion it can be a a useful tool.  It depends on how you use it.  If someone asks AI to write their essay for them then that's a poor choice by them.  If someone uses AI to help with the research for the essay and then writes the essay themselves then that's a good use of AI.

I have found a really useful site called ArtHelper.   It can be quite an amazing help in making suggestions for titles of artwork or social media posts.  In fact it currently has 37 different functions you can use.  I put this photo into ArtHelper and asked it for an Artwork Analysis.

I didn't write anything or tell the App what this textile piece is about and this is what it came up with:

Visual Elements:
• The repeated portrait of a person wearing a mask immediately evokes themes of the pandemic, healthcare, and emotional suppression.
• Each mask is inscribed with a different word: “depressed,” “anxious,” “abused,” “in pain,” “stressed,” “grieving,” “sad,” “hurting,” and “tired.”
• The monochromatic palette and rough, textured background reinforce a sense of heaviness and emotional weight.

Themes & Interpretation:
• Mental Health & Hidden Struggles: The use of masks with emotional words suggests the hidden pain people carry, especially during challenging times.
• Repetition: The grid format and repeated face highlight the universality of these feelings—many people experience these emotions, often silently.
• Pandemic Reference: The mask is a clear nod to COVID-19, but it also symbolizes how people “mask” their true feelings. 

Whilst the picture was drawn during the pandemic, that's really the only link to Covid.  If you've read my previous post you will know it's about hiding how we are truly feeling behind the words: 'I'm Fine'.

Still not telling ArtHelper anything about the piece I asked for a blog post.  Usually I wouldn't ask for that because I like to write my own but for the sake of experimentation I gave it a try.  To be honest I am overwhelmed by what the AI saw.  It's one thing for AI to trawl the internet to find facts and references for a research topic and something quite different when it comes up with this: 

At first glance, the monochromatic palette evokes a sense of sombreness, setting the stage for the raw emotions depicted. Each face, adorned with a mask, serves as a powerful metaphor for the ways we often conceal our true feelings from the world. The masks symbolize not just physical protection but also the emotional barriers we erect to shield ourselves from vulnerability.

The words inscribed on each mask -“depressed,” “anxious,” “in pain,” “stressed,” “abused,” “grieving,” “sad,” “hurting,” and “tired” - speak volumes. They are not just labels; they are cries for understanding and connection. In a society that often stigmatizes mental health struggles, this artwork invites viewers to confront these emotions head-on, fostering a dialogue about the importance of acknowledging and expressing our inner turmoil.

The repetition of the faces creates a rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of these feelings. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles; many share similar experiences, often hidden beneath the surface. This collective acknowledgment can be a powerful catalyst for healing, encouraging us to reach out, share our stories, and support one another.

This is only a part of what was written, but can you see why I am overwhelmed.  AI saw in the piece everything I wanted to say but probably wouldn't have been able to write myself.

Thanks for joining me today.
'Stunned of Solihull'
aka Bernice