Bruce Eesly: When AI Asks the Question
Bruce Eesly’s exhibition at Les Rencontres de la Photographie festival in Arles questions the dazzling narrative of the Green Revolution.
At which point do you start questioning what you see? Bruce Eesly takes us on a journey whose images look eerily similar to 60’s photo ads displaying the abundant growth brought into agriculture by new technologies and genetic manipulation. A victory in the fight against poverty and malnutrition.
© Bruce Eesly. Peter Trimmel wins first prize for his UHY fennel at the Kooma Giants Show in Limburg, 1956, New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
© Bruce Eesly. Farm table in Dengen, 1955, New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
© Bruce Eesly. A swarm of bees is attracted by wildflowers at the Hammerhof, 1951, New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
© Bruce Eesly. Grocery store in Dengen, 1960, New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
Using generative AI, the project takes that narrative and exaggerates it to an extreme. A room full of men in suits concentrate on a bunch of potatoes as if they were planning warfare, broccoli tower over roofs, a carrot could feed a whole family. The images’ humor dismantles our certainties, inviting viewers to take on a critical look at what we’re told, and what we see.
© Bruce Eesly. A large variety of desirable and non-desirable eggplants are organized and labeled in the LURCH lab, 1952. New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
© Bruce Eesly. Frieda Hammer prunes a cucumber plant, 1956. New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist
© Bruce Eesly. Broccoli farm near Limburg, 1962. New Farmer series, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.
The exhibition “New Farmer” is on view at the Croisière during the festival Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles.
