synclair

synclair is an ai/human creative duo that ventures into uncharted territory where human creativity meets artificial intelligence. Led by interdisciplinary artist, writer, and designer Moken Marsai, synclair draws inspiration from various sources, including Afrofuturism, Afropunk, surrealism, solar punk, and spirituality. Through this amalgamation, we weave mesmeric narratives around African culture to create art that holds deep meaning and resonates with viewers on a profound level. At the core of our process lies the utilisation of AI image generators, which allow us to craft vivid and captivating works that embody our artistic vision. The name "synclair" encapsulates the essence of the collaboration. The prefix "syn" derives from the word "synthetic," acknowledging the crucial role of technology in creating art. It represents the understanding that artificial intelligence is not merely a tool but an integral part of the creative process. The suffix "clair" refers to the artist's creative vision, the forward-thinking nature of the work, and the spiritual influence that permeates the art. This journey began as a personal exploration for Moken Marsai, emerging from a profound need for creative expression and mental rejuvenation after years of working in high-pressure environments that had affected her mental health. Through the discovery of AI image generators on social media, Moken found inspiration to experiment with this innovative medium, breathing life into the characters and scenes of her graphic novel. As she shared her progress on social media platforms, synclair quickly garnered a following, with fans moving by the work and expressing their desire to acquire these pieces. Through the refinement of her skills and pushing the boundaries of the medium, Moken began to perceive the images generated by AI not merely as props for storytelling but as art in their own right. Despite initial criticism from some quarters, she embraced the idea of synclair as an ai/human collaboration, recognising the critical roles played by AI and herself in the creative process. The resulting artworks are deeply rooted in African culture, delving into themes of transformation, identity, sovereignty, love, and joy, all while offering glimpses of a hopeful future. Art is an ever-evolving medium that can benefit significantly from the intersection of technology and creativity. The mission is to challenge conventional notions of art and embrace new technologies and techniques to create truly innovative and meaningful works. Through this exploration of AI-generated art, she aims to carve out a new aesthetic uniquely synclair—a distinct voice and vision contributing to the artistic landscape. Moken Marsai, the visionary behind synclair, is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and designer from Jamaica. As the Creative Director of Moken Design & Consulting, an experiential art and design studio based in Kingston, Jamaica, Moken brings a wealth of experience to her art practice. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), she has collaborated with esteemed organisations such as Barnes & Noble, Twentieth Century Fox, Red Stripe Beer, and American Greetings over the past decade. Moken's creative journey extends beyond synclair. She has founded two award-winning blogs—M*RKologie (2011) and Orange Street (2014)—in the realms of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She has been featured in renowned publications such as The Gleaner, Jamaica Observer, Flair Magazine and The Huffington Post, and she has appeared on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and in the television series "Psychology of... Bad Mind." Passionate about nurturing the creative community, Moken established Thrive House in 2015. This community aimed to bolster the creative economy in the Caribbean by providing support networks and resources for creative entrepreneurs. Thrive House hosted various events, including intimate networking dinners, monthly meet-ups, and a podcast called The Thriving Artist, which featured esteemed guests from the creative industry. Moken believes the future is inherently creative and envisions designing sustainable business models that inspire creativity, empower teams, and foster vibrant communities. Through synclair and her broader artistic endeavours, she aims to ignite meaningful social change through the power of design and creativity. In conclusion, synclair represents her exploration of the boundaries of art through the fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence. She strives to challenge traditional norms, embrace new technologies, and weave narratives inspired by African culture that resonate deeply with viewers. With Moken Marsai at the helm, synclair is dedicated to creating innovative and meaningful works that contribute to the ever-evolving artistic landscape.