Eskil Holten

Eskil Holten’s BA thesis collection is inspired by the integration of AI and humans, and by the resulting relationship between the synthetic and the organic. Holten explores the differences between marks made by AI and those made by humans. Phenomena that have inspired the creative production include neurotechnology that connects computers and the brain, as well as the use of AI in prosthetics, where AI integrates directly with the human body. Holten’s design process combines physical and digital creation, alternating between AI, material work, 3D modelling, and hands-on construction. AI is utilised to generate images that build a visual world for inspiration. These images are then used as prints on garments. Holten draws concrete references from the created images and from AI-related concepts into the fashion collection. "The images created by AI have given rise to a new visual aesthetic. The low-quality images generated by AI are a digital mess, containing familiar elements yet nothing recognisable. Objects merge into one another, forming an undefined heap. This aesthetic is inspiring precisely because it is so far removed from the mark made by humans — a visual outcome that, in my view, is difficult to achieve with human minds alone." Exclusively own source material has been used for generative AI: photographs, drawings, tattoos and clothing. The personalised source material is visible in the AI-generated images. The clothing creation process is material-driven. Holten has developed the materials by knitting, dyeing, and manipulating ready-made fabrics through distressing and pressing them into shape. The unflattering vibe of AI-generated images is captured through the combination of materials and silhouettes.