Google AI Helps Artist Remix Tradition — What's Next is Everything

British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori has ventured into the digital realm with "Dreaming with Flamingos," an interactive playground inspired by his physical installation, "Flamboyance of Flamingos," in London. Collaborating with the Google Arts & Culture Lab, Ilori integrates his passion for storytelling and Nigerian folklore into this digital experience. Players guide a young flamingo through riddles to restore the park's lost song, unveiling dynamic generative AI soundtracks influenced by West African instruments upon solving each puzzle. The culmination of each level rewards players with unique digital artworks, co-created using Google AI technology.

The project employs WebGL to craft a 3D playground environment, while Google DeepMind's Lyria generates dynamic soundscapes, offering over 400 possible musical combinations for users to explore. Additionally, a Google AI image generation model, fine-tuned with Ilori's distinctive designs, produces 38 collectible artworks in his signature vibrant style. This fusion of technology and art allows participants to curate personalized soundtracks and discover musical surprises within the digital park.

Ilori's inspiration stems from local elders' memories of flamingos in the area, prompting themes of memory, community, and joy in the digital space. He envisions this project as a means to inspire connections with nature and among individuals, especially for those unable to visit physical galleries and museums. "Dreaming with Flamingos" is accessible via the Google Arts & Culture app and website, inviting users to immerse themselves in this harmonious blend of tradition and technology.