CMAY Gallery is pleased to present “Oral Histories”, an exhibition with Donnie Molls in the artist’s first solo show at the gallery.

The exhibition is a fascinating exploration of the artist's family history, particularly focusing on his mother's side that migrated from Mexico to Los Angeles over a century ago. Molls, having no photographs from that time, turns to Artificial Intelligence to assist in creating a new series of paintings based on the oral histories passed down through generations.

The use of AI in this artistic process is a novel approach, reflecting Molls' commitment to incorporating innovative techniques into his work. The AI-generated images serve as a starting point for his paintings, introducing a unique twist to his longstanding practice of using hybrid photographic techniques. Previously, Molls used conventional film cameras and later adapted to digital photography, but now he employs AI to generate images that are then treated in a manner similar to his previous works.

The evolution of Molls' image-making process is evident in "Oral Histories," where AI becomes a pivotal tool. Instead of relying solely on his photographic eye, Molls feeds his family's narrative into the AI program, allowing it to shape the visual elements of the artwork. This shift introduces a level of unpredictability and collaboration between the artist and the AI, challenging traditional notions of authorship and control in artistic creation.

The paintings in this exhibition continue to exist on the border between photography and painting, a characteristic of Molls' unique artistic expression. The hybrid process involves creating a negative from the AI-generated image, enlarging it onto a canvas using traditional photographic techniques, and subsequently applying paint. This intricate and multistep process reflects Molls' dedication to merging different mediums and technologies in his artistic practice.

In "Oral Histories," the artist not only embraces AI as a creative tool but also emphasizes the importance of editing and curating the AI-generated images. While relinquishing some control in the initial creation process, Molls retains the ability to select and shape the final compositions. The AI, akin to the historical Camera Obscura, becomes a transformative tool through which the artist explores new perceptions of reality, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic methods.

Overall, "Oral Histories" offers viewers a compelling journey through the intersection of family narratives, technology, and artistic expression, showcasing Donnie Molls' ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Overall, "Oral Histories" offers viewers a compelling journey through the intersection of family narratives, technology, and artistic expression, showcasing Donnie Molls' ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

For more information: carl@carlbergcuratorialprojects.com