There’s Nothing Artificial About This Intelligence
Darren McDonald
- Sitter: Darren McDonald
- Medium: Oil on Linen
- Dimensions: 184cm x 122cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
In this self portrait, Darren McDonald is addressing the importance of human intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence.
The artist places himself next to his dog, creating a joyous and celebratory diptych. It celebrates the distinctively human bond between a human and their beloved pet.
Darren was prompted to create the work after the Brisbane Portrait Prize allowed some AI processes in the competition.
“It’s a little tongue-in-cheek but also looks at painting and art prizes. I thought the idea of incorporating the painting of my dog Ray added something else to my portrait. I hope it reflects our friendship and bond.”
Darren’s work is characterised by simplistic forms and the lack of any backgrounds. This, together with his economic use of brushstokes and the flattened picture space focus attention solely on the subject, and give the work an endearing simplicity.
About the artist
Darren McDonald has been an artist for 30 years and his work is held in the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia and Monash University. His work explores the human and animal form and psyche. He has been a finalist in the Moran and Sulman Prizes, and in 2021 he won the Brisbane Portait Prize with a portrait of his mother.
