Title: 'Morning Commute'.

"The image is part of a larger series exploring the surreal and absurd nature of overcrowded subway commutes, transforming an everyday activity into a visual commentary on urban life. My AI work deals with the absurdity found in mundane situations, viewed through the lens of an alternate 1980s New York City. While I can't remember who said it, the idea that humour is "logic applied to the absurd" serves as a kind of guiding principle for me — a mantra that quietly informs much of my creative process.

The image was made using Midjourney AI and Photoshop. People talk a lot about AI hallucinations, most notably with "AI hands", but in my case, I try to lean into the hallucinations, which I feel add a certain something to my work. After all, AI is unlike other mediums, and I feel like the approach should be different, too.

Whether I'm trying to communicate something profound or simply embrace the absurd for its own sake, at the core of every series is an attempt to find humour. Sometimes, I’m trying to make a statement; other times, there’s not much to say. Ultimately, I’m just trying to make myself laugh, and if that resonates with others, all the better!"

Sy Goldstein is an award-winning AI artist with a background in film and photography.

His AI work blends elements of humor, horror, sci-fi, and the surreal to create an alternate 1980s New York City, filled with bizarre characters. Each series is accompanied by a short interview with one of his subjects, highlighting the absurdity and mundanity of human existence.

What sets Sy's work apart is his ability to blend cutting-edge AI technology with a distinctly human touch of humor and absurdity, creating a world that is both fantastical and eerily familiar.

Before working with AI, Sy directed music videos, national branded video campaigns, short documentaries, and films. As an AI artist, his work has been featured in exhibitions and publications around the world.

Sy Goldstein is the winner of the AI Image Developing & Creating Category in the Spotlight Awards 2024.