Rhizomes: Cultural Studies in Emerging Knowledge: Issue 40 (2024)

Amorphigrist Illustrations

Talan Memmott
Winona State University

Abstract: these illustrations were created to accompany David Gruber’s essay “Amorphigrist Ontology: An Exploratory Inquiry” in this issue. To read Gruber’s essay, go here.

Artist Statement

The AI-generated images presented here assume a dual function: acting both as "Amorphigrist" illustrations for the essay and as a visual unraveling of its fabric, instigated by textual cues extracted from the essay itself. These images embark on a visual exploration of the abstract concepts under consideration, a domain where conventional illustration methodologies often prove inadequate, given the elusive nature of philosophical concepts such as amorphigrist ontology.

In contrast, AI-generated images yield distinct visual interpretations that encapsulate the essence of the abstract and formless, resonating with the underlying theme of shapelessness inherent in amorphigrist ontology. Through the utilization of unique terminologies and expressions drawn from the essay as prompts for image generation, a symbiotic relationship emerges between speculative text and imagery, fostering a dynamic interplay characterized by fluidity and indefinite associations.

All captions and process statement are heavily “exfluenced” by ChatGPT.

Amorphigrist Illustrations

Ephemeral flibberance, a kiss of mystic's dawn,
A cascade of wonderlust, a gossamerspawn.
In halcyon's lumiglow, I found my heart's lust,
A tapestry of wonderwords, in the amorphigrist.

— ChatGPT

Ephemeral Fibberance

In a fleeting dance of colors and shapes, ephemeral fibberance emerges, teasing the boundaries of perception, capturing the transient essence of existence.

 

Experience and Affectability

Within a tableau of nuanced expressions, the image portrays the raw essence of experience, seemingly devoid of affectability, yet hinting at the quiet emptiness within the human experience, where emotions remain elusive.

 

Inherently Wrongheaded

The intricate anatomy in this medical illustration reveals the complexities of inherent wrongheadedness, challenging conventional understandings of cognition and perception.

 

Immediate Real-ishness

Reality blurs with illusion in a captivating photograph, prompting viewers to question authenticity and contemplate the nature of truth in the digital age.

 

Epistemological Callousness

Epistemological callousness freezes the pursuit of knowledge in an evocative illustration, depicting a chilling detachment from understanding amidst a landscape of indifference.

 

Making Due

Resilience shines through amidst scarcity, depicted in an image illustrating the art of making do, where resourcefulness guides individuals through challenges.

 

Glorious Human Progress

Human progress unfolds as AI technology propels society into new frontiers, shattering barriers and illuminating possibilities for a brighter future.

 

Reproducing Dualisms

The haunting image echoes the duality of existence, intertwining shadows with light in an eternal struggle, captivating observers with the enigmatic dance of dualism.

 

Slip & Slide

Cosmic slippage blurs the boundaries of reality in a captivating tableau, defying conventional understanding and beckoning explorers into the abyss of infinite possibilities.

 

Cage the Flux

The impulse to cage the flux is starkly depicted in an arresting image, as chaos threatens to engulf order, prompting humanity to impose structure upon the relentless tide of change.

 

Reverberating Bodies

everberating bodies create an ethereal symphony in a captivating image, blurring boundaries and echoing the interconnectedness of existence in a mesmerizing dance of vibrations.

Cite this Work

Memmott, Talan. “Amorphigrist Illustrations.” Rhizomes: Cultural Studies in Emerging Knowledge, no. 40, 2024, doi:10.20415/rhiz/040.e05