Before the Internet there was Teletext

Visual System Comprehension

Teletext is a broadcasting medium that was once ubiquitous in many western countries, and has since been replaced by the internet. But for me, teletext is a fascinating visual medium that is still worth exploring. In this work, "Before the Internet there was Teletext," I use artificial intelligence to create intricate teletext imagery.

To create this artwork, I gathered a large dataset of teletext pages from various broadcasting companies. These datasets were then used to train multiple Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), each one responsible for generating a specific aspect of the final artwork.

For example, one GAN focused on creating specific colour combinations, while another GAN focused on composition and patterns. The GANs were trained to generate images that closely resembled the dataset they were trained on, but they were also programmed to introduce a level of unpredictability into the generated images. This resulted in unique and unexpected patterns and designs that were unlike anything that had been seen in teletext before.

The final artwork is a collection of images generated by each GAN, which were then combined to create the striking pieces seen in "Before the Internet there was Teletext." By training each GAN to focus on a specific aspect of the artwork, I was able to create a diverse and engaging collection of images that showcase the beauty and complexity of teletext in a new and exciting way.

Presentation at De School

Cultural institution and nightclub De School in Amsterdam added this work to their fixed collection. The series is now part of the interior and can be found throughout the building. The artwork is showcased on custom-designed retro TV monitors, which adds to the nostalgic feel of the pieces.

Visitors are able to see the intricate designs up close, and appreciate the level of detail that went into each image. The combination of the GANs and the teletext medium creates an original collection of artwork that adds to the serendipitous spirit of the building.

AI Generated Media

The final artwork is a collection of images generated by each GAN, which were then combined to create the striking pieces seen in "Before the Internet there was Teletext." By training each GAN to focus on a specific aspect of the artwork, the artist was able to create a diverse and engaging collection of images that showcase the beauty and complexity of teletext in a new and exciting way.

I wanted to explore the intersection between technology and human communication. Specifically, i was interested in how advancements in artificial intelligence are changing the way we consume information and understand the world around us. As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it's essential that we remain vigilant and question everything that comes our way.

By creating images that appear to contain important news articles, yet containing nonsensical text, I aimed to draw attention to the limitations of technology and remind viewers of the importance of critical thinking and fact checking. Finally, it also highlights that news media, contain a visual language that instantly triggers a reaction in our brain where we try to make sense of what we see.