Imagined Images

PHOTOGRAPHY

Feb 4

The series ‘Imagined Images’ consists of 136 images, all generated with the help of AI. Visual artist Maria Mavropoulou created these images to recall unphotographed memories, moments she imagined or has been told that happened. With her work, she asks: What is the use of a photograph?

Photography Maria Mavropoulou

What is the use of a photograph? If nothing else, it’s a reference point to a specific moment in time, the moment of its creation, the moment it depicts. Especially family photographs are a tie to our personal history, an archive of who we are and where we came from. They are ‘memory deposits’ from where we keep sourcing the certainty of our life events even if our own memories of them are lost. In this new project, personal memories are absorbed by A.I. and meshed with thousands of others to become a new breed of images, images resembling in an uncanny way those of our childhood photo albums. But what is the use of this new kind of image since they lose their fundamental tie to reality? What is the memory they hold? To whom are they precious, heirlooms that must be preserved?

Trying to reconcile with my own family history, one of displacement, loss and deprivation I visualised with the use of DALLE-2 moments that happened, moments that were unphotographed, moments I imagined, moments I was told about, moments I have hoped to happen, moments that never happened in order to ask myself: How can one rewrite their own history?

“What is the use of a photograph? If nothing else, it’s a reference point to a specific moment in time, the moment of its creation, the moment it depicts.”

About Maria

Maria Mavropoulou (b. 1989) lives and works in Athens, Greece. She is a visual artist using mainly photography while her work expands to new forms of photographic images, such as VR and screen-captured images, GAN and AI-generated images.

Maria’s work and research focus on the new realities created by the connectible devices and the contradictions between the physical and the virtual spaces that we inhabit, addressing issues of technological mediation. By using the most novel technology available to her, she creates work that reflects on the new ways images are produced today. Her work explores digital identity and representation in the post-social media era, algorithmic bias, network culture, power politics between machines and humans, and the multidimensionality of our experiences in our always-online world.

Maria holds a Master’s in Fine Arts and a BA from the Athens School of Fine Arts. Her work is part of private collections and has been exhibited in institutions and museums in Greece and abroad.

To see more of her work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram

Enjoyed this article?
Like ZERO.NINE on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Wayne Chin’s journey from isolation to creative expression highlights the transformative power of photography. Written by Paul Ryan, CEO of MYWORLD Creative Projects, this article explores the MYLONDON initiative, a remarkable project empowering individuals affected by homelessness to share their stories through the lens and reconnect with their communities.

The very powerful San Simón

In this insightful interview, Juan Brenner delves into his ongoing photographic exploration of San Simón, a complex figure embodying Guatemala's rich syncretic traditions. Brenner reflects on themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural resilience, sharing the challenges and revelations behind his deeply personal and visually arresting body of work.

Shadow Cast

Shadow Cast is the latest handmade, limited edition book by lens-based artist Pacifico Silano. For this series, Silano reworked vintage gay porn into evocative, melancholic typologies, transforming shadows into a visceral exploration of desire, marginality, and longing. Printed entirely on risograph, this XXL photobook is a tactile and experimental masterpiece, published by Loose Joints.

The Human Gaze

The Human Gaze challenges the entrenched patriarchal lens that objectifies the female form, redefining the act of looking as a reciprocal exchange between subjects. Through diverse photographic representations, this series by photographer Julia SH asserts the autonomy and humanity of naked bodies, dismantling the dominance of a gaze steeped in control to present the female form as whole, empowered, and self-defined.

Ground Clearance

With his series Ground Clearance, photographer Owen Harvey documents the evolution of the lowrider subculture, capturing its rich history, artistic expression, and global influence. His intimate portraits allow us a glimpse into the life of modern lowriders – a subculture that started back in the 1940s rooted in Mexican-American communities.

Belly of The Giant Serpent: Prophecy

Photographer Chen Chuanduan crafted this fictional documentary, blending elements of fiction and the supernatural. Through AI-generated images and paranormal stories, he conveys both personal and collective trauma. Chen combines text-to-image AI creations with real-world images and his own photography, seamlessly merging reality with imagination.

Capturing the unseen

At East London’s She Lost Control, Aura photography offers a glimpse beyond the visible. Based on Kirlian-inspired photographic techniques, these sessions capture your energy as a radiant Polaroid image—an exquisite reminder that we are more than our digital selves. ZERO.NINE founders Christian Trippe and JC Verona tried this unique experience.

Farm Life

After captivating audiences with Good Dog and The Animal Kingdom, celebrated studio photographer Randal Ford returns with a charming new volume — Farm Life. In his latest book, Ford takes us beyond the barn and into the very heart of America’s vibrant farm animals. This collection of studio portraits celebrates the spirit of these pastoral creatures and invites the viewer on a heartfelt journey of expression, play, and contemplation.

Dreamland: Side of Sea

‘Dreamland: Side of Sea’ is a captivating street photography series by Taras Bychko, showcasing the tranquil charm of English coastal towns in the quiet months before summer, from February to May 2023. Bychko's lens captures serene, almost dreamlike moments in various places like Brighton and Margate, inviting viewers to savour the peaceful solitude before the tourist rush. This reflective series beautifully contrasts everyday life with the timeless allure of the coast.

OF FIRE, FAR SHINING

Asheville-based artist J. A. Young combines their own personal photographs with public-domain archival imagery to explore their reaction to inward experiences. Inspired by a pivotal moment in 2020, the work reflects on existential questions and global crises. Through print manipulation and rephotography, the project creates a fluid, ever-evolving visual narrative that mirrors the artist's shifting perceptions and emotions.

New Moons

Photographer Ada Marino’s powerful series New Moons explores feminine resilience and rebirth against oppressive societal structures. Her work challenges patriarchal norms and advocates for a new, inclusive identity for women, addressing contemporary struggles with a vision of empowerment and transformation.

Souvenirs

Photographer Mike Spears created the zine Souvenirs, a series of irreverent photographic metaphors, romanticising desire, flesh, and comedy. His images reveal the unexpected beauty and humour woven into the fabric of life, inviting you to see the world through a lens that celebrates the quirky and profound.

400 km

Photographer Alberto Tandoi walked 400 km across London capturing fleeting moments with strangers, portraying the city as what would be his ideal city. Through hundreds of portraits, he reveals the beauty of self-expression and the unique stories of unconventional individuals.

Waste Based

Pavel Golovkin’s project "Waste" stands out as a commentary on society's relationship with refuse. Through his lens, Golovkin transforms trash from an overlooked byproduct of human activity into a nomadic entity with its own narrative, continually moving and evolving within urban landscapes.

The Moss-Men (Los Hombres de Musgo)

Our very own JC Verona, photographer and co-founder of ZERO.NINE travelled to his hometown Béjar in Spain to create a series about the unique tradition of local men covering their bodies in moss. Dating back to medieval times, the Moss-Men symbolise a profound connection with nature and highlight the importance of preserving local traditions. We spoke to him in an exclusive interview to find out more about the project that has been on his mind for years.

MACONDO

Marco Vernaschi’s mesmerising series MACONDO delves into the complexities of existence along the Magdalena River amidst an exceptionally challenging climatic backdrop, entwining the essence of Colombian magical realism with the resilience of its inhabitants.

Inversion

‘Inversion’ stands as a poignant artistic endeavour, born from the collaboration between photographer Danila Tkachenko and the non-profit organisation Gariwo. This initiative bears witness to the repercussions of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, encapsulated through a travelling photo exhibition. Through the lens of nine courageous military photojournalists, the project unveils the stark realities faced by Ukrainian communities amidst conflict.

And I lie another day

Delve into the introspective world of Karla Guerrero with ‘And I Lie Another Day’ – a photographic series that navigates the nuances of existence and womanhood. Through inherited memories and maternal influences, the artist embarks on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

Immigrant Owned

Meet Jonathan Castillo, a visionary photographer whose work transcends boundaries and celebrates the essence of the American dream. With a keen focus on immigrant entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of local communities, his series illuminates the often overlooked pillars of the American economy.

Let's build a sandcastle

Sand mining, once a symbol of time and nature's intricate work, has transformed into a stark reminder of humanity's unchecked greed. Through the lens of Jakub Stanek's photography, the relentless exploitation of this natural resource confronts us with the harsh reality of irreversible consequences. It's time to reconsider our priorities and strike a balance between human needs and planetary protection.

Nothing to See Here

Ben Zank, a native of New York City, discovered his passion for photography at the age of 18 when he stumbled upon a Pentax ME Super in his grandmother's attic. Using his self-portraits as a means to express emotions where words fall short, Zank is poised to unveil his debut photo book, showcasing his distinct artistic vision.

Me Entro El Garrion (I got the Sparrow)

Photographer and filmmaker Lorna Carmichael travelled to Cuba to document the impacts of the enduring US embargo. Upon her arrival, she discovered that local Cubans also yearn for a bygone era, prompting her to create the photo story 'I got a sparrow' to encapsulate these sentiments.

I have nothing

With his ongoing series ‘I Have Nothing’, Lagos-based photographer Ebenezer Okike documents Nigeria's new generation, delving into emerging stereotypes and desires. The resulting images feel very personal and intimate, capturing details and scenes of daily life in Nigeria.

Dryland

The present humanitarian crisis in East Africa leaves many individuals displaced by the severe impact of climate change. Photographer Felicity McCabe visited Somaliland to document the ephemeral existence of the refugees and the distinctive architecture of their camps.

Imagined Images

The series ‘Imagined Images’ consists of 136 images, all generated with the help of AI. Visual artist Maria Mavropoulou created these images to recall unphotographed memories, moments she imagined or has been told that happened. With her work, she asks: What is the use of a photograph?

You Go Ahead—I'll Watch

Photographer Mickey Aloisio’s first solo exhibition just opened at Marlborough in NYC. "You Go Ahead—I'll Watch" features his interdisciplinary art using various analogue media and other alternative technologies. The exhibition includes work from his series "Lunch Break" and "Morning Dew," exploring transgressive narratives, queer navigation and intimate moments. Drawing inspiration from Laud Humphreys' controversial 1970s text Tearoom Trade, Aloisio examines consent, manipulation and deception in human relationships. The showcased works include archival pigment prints, cyanotypes and the video installation "Channel 17".

BIFRÖST

French photographer Romain Coudrier went to the Artic Circle in search of one of the greatest civilisations, the Vikings. He found a mix of vast nature and isolated spaces under the domination of mass consumption.

Marungka Tjalatjunu (dipped in black)

With “Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in black)”, photographer Matthew Thorne documents the poignant journey of Derik Lynch, a queer Yankunytjatjara man, as he embarks on a road trip back to his ancestral country for spiritual healing. This autobiographical series explores Derik's memories of growing up in a remote Anangu community, delving into the profound intersections of his identity across four cultural worlds – whitefella, blackfella, Christian, and Queer.

LIGHT/MASS

Inspired by the bright and crisp light of the East Coast, British photographer Owen Davies, captured his new home New York City in a new and fascinating way. Brutalist structures and buildings stand like timeless monuments against the bright sky creating an eerie scenery completely absent of any human presence.

Portraits of Áo Dài (Hope For Peace And Love)

Vietnamese photographer Chiron Duong embarked on his project ‘365 days with Áo Dài’ to showcase the beauty and rich cultural relevance of Áo Dài – a traditional Vietnamese dress. The resulting images are rich in colour, emotions and show us a modern Vietnam that many haven’t seen like this before.

Christian Trippe

Imagined Images

The series ‘Imagined Images’ consists of 136 images, all generated with the help of AI. Visual artist Maria Mavropoulou created these images to recall unphotographed memories, moments she imagined or has been told that happened. With her work, she asks: What is the use of a photograph?

“What is the use of a photograph? If nothing else, it’s a reference point to a specific moment in time, the moment of its creation, the moment it depicts.”

READ NEXT

Dryland

You Go Ahead—I'll Watch