All Natural

The transformation of an image of a Black woman sitting comfortably into one where she is being filmed uncomfortably serves as exploration of, and commentary on the politics of visibility, now reimagined through the lens of generative AI. In its original form “The Knowing” depicts a comfortable pose, emphasizes autonomy, tranquility, and self-possession—qualities often denied to Black women in historical and contemporary representations. It evokes a space where visibility does not equate to scrutiny, but to affirmation and presence on one’s own terms.

Reimagining this same figure as being filmed uncomfortably disrupts that narrative, underscoring how visibility can shift from empowerment to surveillance. Generative AI tools amplify this dynamic, offering a powerful yet complex frontier for exploring these tensions. The act of using AI to render such a shift introduces a layer of mediated control, reflecting both the creative possibilities and the risks of technological interpretation. AI can perpetuate societal tendencies to commodify and dissect Black bodies for consumption or, conversely, subvert those tendencies by creating new forms of agency in representation.

The discomfort in this context becomes symbolic of the tension between being seen and being watched—a dynamic that generative AI makes more immediate, as it allows for infinite re-creations of the gaze. By juxtaposing these two states—comfort and discomfort—the work critiques how visibility is often weaponized against Black women while simultaneously exploring how AI can challenge or reinforce these dynamics. It invites deeper reflection on whether these tools will be used to affirm and expand autonomy or to replicate systems of exploitation.

Ultimately, the piece asks viewers to consider: in an era of generative AI, who controls the gaze? What does it mean to be truly visible when technology holds the power to reshape identity? And can these tools become instruments of liberation, rather than perpetuators of systemic harm?

Klingai video and lipsync based on original acrylic on canvas painting “The Knowing” by the artists.