AI-generated art that stands out
also "walk-and-talk" concept, a bit of Tasmania and a personality test
I met Benny a looooong time ago, but I still vividly remember his office. An Ali Baba's Cave filled with toys, design and culture. A significant detail for today’s focus.
Back then he ran the independent media and agency Be Street, dedicated to art, lifestyle and music. He is now the founder of Drop and mastersofai.courses.
I’ve been following Benny’s journey with AI for a while and was already intrigued by his samurai-inspired work.
But what got me were these two specific pieces.
First, his homage to this 1967 stainless steel Porsche 911S.
Yes I’m sold for anything 911-related. Yet Benny integrated the right dosage of culture, knowledge and references so the render is hyperrealistic and sparks fantasy.
A good dream, at last – distinct from the nightmarish AI slop imagery I still too often get confronted with. Here, I want to get in, I want more.
Click on the IG post for the video.
And then another dream. I’m biased because Benny reimagined Rayna Vallandingham – a martial artist goddess and Internet crush of mine. ICYMI go check her insane TikTok and don’t forget to come back.
Again, hyperrealism and fantasy. A smooth blend of the aesthetics of Hajime Sorayama and Thierry Mugler. Such an efficient combo.
Rayna loved it too. A good signal as celebrities haven’t been vocal about enjoying AI creations using their traits.
PS: while we are on the AI topic, Isaac Asimov’s The Last Question I mentioned a few weeks ago is still only 11 pages long and still a must-read. For free here.
Click on the IG post for the animation.
Q&A with Benjamin “Benny” Benichou
YC: Your Porsche project triggered me. It stands out from the AI slop. What’s your recipe?
BB: Thank you – that’s exactly the reaction I aim for! My approach centres on blending AI with traditional design fundamentals.
I see AI as a tool that enhances but doesn’t replace the nuances of creativity. The Porsche project was about capturing the brand’s heritage while introducing something futuristic and unconventional. My recipe is finding that balance between the recognizable and the unexpected.
YC: Who else is killing it in the creative AI field? Who’s work we must check?
BB: It’s hard to pick just one, as many creatives are leveraging AI in unique ways.
If Only is doing remarkable work with surreal concepts; his recent Halloween series was particularly intriguing.
I’m also captivated by Maxian Football, who creates surreal videos featuring Messi and Ronaldo. Many think it’s easy to produce such content with AI, but it involves a comprehensive process from ideation to publication.
YC: A hyperlink everybody must be aware of?
BB: Shameless plug – my online store: benjaminbenichou.com/store.
I’ll be releasing a new limited edition art print soon, as well as my debut sculpture, the Cosmo Shogun. Both will be very limited, so you don’t want to miss out!
YC: A weird hyperlink you would like to share too?
BB: weavesilk.com – An interactive site where you can draw symmetrical, ethereal shapes. It’s mesmerizing and strangely therapeutic.
YC: One “Buy It For Life” or essential object you recommend?
BB: A reliable analog camera, like a Leica M6. It grounds my digital-heavy workflow and reminds me of the art of patience in creation.
YC: Gift us a pair, a combo – a book and a documentary.
BB: Book: You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier – An insightful critique of digital culture.
Documentary: The Great Hack – Explores the impact of data on our lives and challenges our relationship with technology.
YC: One friend you would like to give a shout-out to now? Why?
BB: Shout-out to Valentin Salmon, co-founder of Anagram Studio. He’s a creative force and has been transforming his multidisciplinary studio’s work with AI since joining my Masters of AI program. Seeing him expand his horizons has been inspiring.
This concept
Reading Dan Wang’s 2023 letter, I discovered this neat “Walk-and-Talk” concept:
One of the ideas of the walk-and-talk, as Craig puts it, is to put adults in situations they may not have experienced since they were kids: “new people, unknown environs, continuous socializing, intense conversations.”
Ok, I love this idea. So simple, so essential. Also typically the kind of little organisation you will for some reason keep on postponing...
Here is the definition from Kevin Kelly and Craig Mod, the organisers (we need more of such characters):
A walk-and-talk is a moveable salon. A small group of people walk together for a week, having casual conversations side-by-side during most of the day. In the evening the group sits down to an intense hours-long discussion centered on a daily chosen topic by those present.
What a great approach to share ideas, discover a country and make new friends.
The kind of unique experience only passion can drive. I can hardly imagine a business model that could emulate and scale this spirit, and maybe that’s what makes these expeditions so special and precious.
Check out the extensive How to Walk and Talk guide Kevin Kelly and Craig Mod compiled. I am ready to pack up already.
This Personality Test
I was chatting about being introverted with a friend, and when I asked him if “he was” too, he wasn’t sure. A few questions later, well, yes, he was. I recommended he read Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. A remarkable work that any introvert and extrovert will benefit from. In my book recommendations.
I then asked him if he had ever taken a personality test, and he was also unfamiliar with 16Personalities. I find their results sharp and valuable. You get a detailed exploration of your strengths and weaknesses that you can reflect on for your career, relationships etc...
The test is free and takes only 10 minutes: 16personalities.com
I am INFP-A . Let me know your type in the comments, I’m curious to see if a pattern comes up.
Do you want to dig deeper? I got helpful personal growth recommendations from the Enneagram personality test, and Ray Dalio’s PrinciplesYou assessment added another perspective and confirmed the previous test results.
These campaigns
Tasmania exhibits what our modern world could look like if we did not fuck up so hard as a civilisation. I was struck when I visited. The right balance between lifestyle – read great food, wine, art – and untouched nature. It has it all. Modern infrastructures, culture, and fresh air.
Tourism Tasmania's communication reflects this perfectly. It’s authentic, triggers the right emotion and a strong connection. It makes me want to go back.
Come Down For Air they said.
This tip
You might already know that dark chocolate is healthy.
But do you know how to properly taste it? I didn’t, so I never understood its appeal.
You do not chew dark chocolate – bitterness only comes when you bite.
As usual, the wikiHow is epic: “How to taste dark chocolate in 14 steps”.
I can now savour my Aldi Moser Roth 90% as a gourmet.
Thanks for your attention, take care and have a great week ☀️