Search for the real in illusion
In recent years, the image generated by artificial intelligence has burst into the world of visual creation.
And if the first tests still seemed hesitant, the recent versions — including Midjourney V5, V6 and now V7 — have reached a level of realism which, I believe, deserves to be attested.
In summary:
I observe a profusion of imaginary universes, created by other artists: fantastic scenes, unreal creatures, unicorns hovering above celestial settings, dreamy showcases for luxury brands...
But it's not that aspect that attracts.
What fascinates me is when one approaches reality.
When a salad plate, a well-dressed table, or even a simple shadow game on a face evoke a real, almost tangible moment.
I know this: for photographing dishes, atmospheres, models... reproducing this kind of scene requires experience, material, patience.
And then I find myself facing an image IA that amazes me by its accuracy.
One might think that these tools make creation easier.
In reality, they do not remove the requirement, they move it.
Request a « random image » can give a surprising result, but get a precise image demands rigour, sensitivity, and often many attempts.
And there is also a technical barrier.
Even though the Midjourney subscription is not out of reach, there is still a brake for many.
The passage forced by Discord, the settings, the vocabulary, the logic of the prompt... all this creates an invisible obstacle.
To me, this « sealing » technology is only increasing.
I meet more and more people who move away from creation simply because this universe seems abstract, opaque, almost excluded.
And yet, for those who agree to explore, it's an open door.
An extension of imagination, a field of experimentation.
Generative AI does not appear as a tool to defend or combat. She's here.
And she deserves to be practiced, to be understood — without necessarily pretending to control her.
I think the important thing is to wonder what we are trying to convey with these images.
Is it an atmosphere? An illusion? Feeling? Any idea?
And then, patiently, guide the tool until it gets there.
I am continuing this research with the idea that AI is now a tool among others available to creators.
An imperfect but fascinating tool.
It is not because it is simple to use that it is worthless.
And it's not because it's virtual that it doesn't produce true emotions.
In 2025, things went very fast.
But that's precisely why I choose to stop here, for a moment, to share these reflections and images.
A modest visibility given to some salad leaves.
And perhaps, a form of recognition of this new form of creation.
Thank you to those who take the time to look at them.