Art Book "PRESS" Explores the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on our Perception

An Innovative Exploration of the Relationship Between Online Searching and Personal Experience

Inspired by the perspective of a jewelry artist, "PRESS" features eight captivating collages that serve as visual representations of the artist's exploration. To create a list of keywords, the artist uploaded images of her own collages onto an image search engine and relied on an algorithm to generate the associations. This raises the question: can we blindly trust the search results, or can we embrace the differences and develop new ways of seeing?

What sets "PRESS" apart is the unique presentation of the collages and keywords. Each keyword is printed separately on tracing paper, allowing viewers to choose whether to focus solely on the collage or to combine it with its associated keywords. The use of square paper enables viewers to appreciate the collages and words from eight different angles, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the title "PRESS" is creatively arranged in the seams, evoking the image of a roller printing machine used in the creation of the collages.

The realization of "PRESS" involved the use of stretchy paper and acrylic paints to create the collages, minimizing the influence of the artist's personal taste or intention. The keywords linked to each collage were obtained using the Google image search algorithm, adding an element of artificial intelligence to the creative process.

Measuring 210mm in width, 210mm in height, and 10mm in depth, "PRESS" spans 40 pages and features a combination of plain and tracing papers. The alternating use of these papers adds depth and texture to the book, enhancing the visual experience for the reader.

Under the creative direction and design expertise of Tsuyoshi Omori, "PRESS" was brought to life with the collaboration of photographer Takashi Hiramatsu, translator Marika Seo, and artist Mika Yamakoshi. The project commenced in February 2019 in Tokyo and culminated in the publication of the art book on June 27, 2019.

The art book "PRESS" is already available online, and it made its debut at the Tokyo Art Book Fair 2019 in July. More exhibitions featuring this thought-provoking work are scheduled for the future.

Through "PRESS," Tsuyoshi Omori and the team have conducted extensive research on the impact of online searching on our mental associations. By presenting viewers with the opportunity to observe abstract collages alongside the keywords derived from an algorithm, the book prompts a realization of how our act of seeing and associating is evolving due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

The creation of "PRESS" was not without its challenges. Printing the keywords separately on tracing paper required meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that viewers could seamlessly alternate between focusing on the collage or combining it with its associated keywords. The use of square paper also presented a technical challenge, as it had to allow for equal visibility of the collages and words from multiple angles. Out of the 40 collages created, the team carefully selected eight that showcased a wide range of keywords and possessed unique shapes.

The art book "PRESS" has garnered recognition for its ingenuity and creativity. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exemplify resourcefulness, technical skill, and contributions to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

With "PRESS," Tsuyoshi Omori invites us to contemplate the changing dynamics between online searching and personal experience, urging us to embrace the differences and develop new ways of seeing in the age of artificial intelligence.