Google AI Transforms Smartphone Snaps Into Iconic Works of Art
Want to create some art? Download the Google Arts & Culture app to access the new Art Transfer tool.
You don’t need to be an artist to create great art: The Google Arts & Culture app now transforms simple snapshots into masterpieces befitting Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo.
To jumpstart your new creative career, open the iOS or Android application’s camera and select “Art Transfer.” After taking or uploading a photo, choose from dozens of styles with which to modify your image. Transform the entire picture, or use the scissors tool to select a specific part for filtering. While you wait for the AI to work its magic, Google will share a “fun fact” about greats such as Kahlo, van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Leonardo da Vinci.
“Many Google Arts & Culture experiments show what’s possible when you combine art and technology,” product manager Michelle Luo wrote in a blog announcement. “Artificial intelligence in particular can be a powerful tool not just in the hands of artists, but also as a way for people to experience and learn about art in new ways.”
Art Transfer, powered by an algorithmic model created by Google AI, does more than just blend two images or overlay your photo: It builds a unique recreation of your picture inspired by a myriad of styles. And it does so directly on your device, without the help of the cloud or your data being processed online.
“We are curious to see what you will create with a little help of AI and hope it will bring a small piece of joy to you in this challenging time,” Luo said. “Once you are happy with your Art Transfer … share the results as a still image or as a GIF [featuring the hashtag] #ArtTransfer.”
Originally published at https://www.pcmag.com.
