Luciano Koenig, Ecuadorian photographer and creative, awarded in Paris for a series made with artificial intelligence: ‘Welcome to Lucky Land, my AI World’

Ecuadorian creativity and talent were recently recognized at the prestigious Prix de la Photographie de Paris (Paris Photography Prize). to the innovative work of photographer Luciano Koenig, who stood out as photographer of the year on this occasion (among other awards) for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to his series Welcome to Lucky Land, my AI world.

This Diary spoke to the artist, who has been dedicated to photography and audiovisual production for 25 years and whose path led him to experiment with artificial intelligence. As he told this medium, he managed to see this technology as a powerful tool with which to enhance and enrich creativity..

“That’s when my interest in artificial intelligence came naturally, because I saw it as an extension of my creative toolbox. Using AI became an organic process for me,” Koenig says of the technology that does just that used to make covers for the magazine mExico designgenerated on the basis of AI.

The granted Welcome to Lucky Land, my AI world is a sample of 40 large format images created with artificial intelligence.

What was your first take on the relationship between photography and artificial intelligence and how have you adapted to this new technology?

AI allows me to immerse myself in a world of previously unexplored possibilities. It allows me to experiment with a wide variety of innovative styles, techniques and approaches that may previously have seemed out of reach. AI acts as a catalyst to push conventional boundaries and create unique and compelling visual works. I see AI as an enabler for creativity, enabling me to bring concepts to life more efficiently and effectively. (…) It is important to emphasize that creativity and ideas will always have a prominent place in my process. AI does not want to replace or overshadow my creative ability, but to enrich it and take it to new heights.

What is your vision of photos made with the help of artificial intelligence today?

AI is essentially a means to enhance human creativity. I understand the concerns of some that AI could replace their work, but I personally see a future where AI and creators work together in harmony. AI has the potential to streamline repetitive processes, deliver unique insights and even inspire unconventional concepts. However, the essence remains in creativity and human intuition. AI can free us from tedious tasks, allowing us to focus on the most essential and rewarding part of our job: the story and emotion our creations convey.

Tell me about the winning project of the Prix de la Photograhie Paris 2023: what is the concept behind it? Lucky land?

Welcome to Lucky Land is a series of portraits of the inhabitants of Lucky Land, a small imaginary town in the north of the Republic of Luzbekistan. The images are divided into three parts, each of which transports us to a unique part of this imaginary world.

In the first part, Barber shop Boltwe explore the history of the Bolt family’s barber shop, which has been a fixture of Lucky Land for generations. From the arrival of grandfather Marcus Bolt from Jamaica, in search of opportunity, to its evolution over the years, the barbershop becomes a meeting point for the community.

In the second part, Bar of broken dreamswe dive into a unique bar run by psychologist Olga Ivanov. Here, clients over the age of 80 share their dreams and experiences in a safe environment. The waitresses, psychology students, bring their enriching perspective to the conversations, creating a space for reflection and connection.

In the third part, Kobayashi restaurantwe discovered a Japanese restaurant designed to provide children with a unique culinary experience. The Kobayashi family, personally involved in the kitchen and service, present delicious traditional Japanese dishes in an authentic and inspiring setting.

What aspects of the series do you think made you the judges’ choice?

I think several highlights contributed to this series being chosen by the judges. First of all, the series presents a strong story that immerses us in three unique experiences in the imaginary world of Lucky Land. Each installment of the series is built to capture distinctive and emotionally resonant aspects of this fictional universe. In addition, the aesthetics of the series play a vital role in the success of the story. Each image is carefully designed to connect with the story being told, creating a cohesive viewing experience for the viewer.

In short, I think the combination of strong storytelling and exceptional aesthetics is what made this series a jury choice. Each image tells a unique story within a shared world, and the way the aesthetic supports and reinforces that story is effective.

Where can we see and follow your work closely?

My work can be seen and followed closely through my online platforms, where I share my creative projects, AI experiments and photographic explorations. Social media and my website are the places to keep up to date with my latest creations and discover how technology and imagination come together in my artistic approach. These are Instagram: lucianokoenigstudio and Behance: Luckoenig.

What projects do you plan to work on in the coming months?

I have just inaugurated at the Portela Art Gallery (third floor of Mall del Sol) the first solo exhibition of artificial intelligence at the global level, entitled Welcome to Lucky Land, my AI world; This is an example of 40 large format images created with artificial intelligence. And for the month of February (2024), the exhibition is planned to go to the Luis Noboa Naranjo museum (P. Icaza 302 en Córdova, Cóndor building, 1st floor).

In the coming months, I plan to launch projects that continue to explore the boundaries of creativity and technology. I plan to continue experimenting with AI in image-making, looking for innovative ways to communicate emotions and stories through the fusion of human and technological elements. I am excited about the possibilities the future brings and how my artistic approach will continue to evolve.

Questions and answers from the 2023 Elections