In honor of the
Leatherby Libraries’ 20th Anniversary,
we are excited to present
Beyond the Lens: AI Infusion in Art and Photography, the Leatherby Libraries’ inaugural artificial intelligence exhibition.

This exhibit, created in collaboration with Orange County photographer Reem Abousaif, showcases AI’s ability to reshape our understanding of art and photography.*

Pushing the Boundaries of Artistic Expression

As artistic expression continues evolving, AI plays a transformative role in redefining the creative landscape by changing how artists conceptualize and produce their work.

Through the seamless integration of AI technology into her creative process, Abousaif challenges traditional notions of photography and explores the intersection of human creativity and machine intelligence. The resulting artworks not only push the boundaries of visual expression but also offer a deeper understanding of the relationship between technology and artistry.

Visitors to the exhibit will explore dynamic, AI-generated images that reflect the interplay between technology and artistry. Each image in the exhibit is designed to provoke thought, inviting attendees to imagine:

“What will the campus of the future look like?”

The Creative Process

Abousaif began crafting this exhibition by researching Chapman University’s history, values, and strengths. She generated prompts to get an idea of how Chapman may look in the future based on the university’s location, vibrant campus life, and commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and innovation. Using AI tools like DALL-E and MidJourney, Abousaif generated images based on themes of eco-friendly architecture, AI-integrated campus operations, and immersive learning environments. Abousaif refined her images through an iterative process of creating, reviewing, and restructuring AI-generated drafts.

Examples of her prompts included:

  • Chapman University in 2050, with gravity-defying architecture and vibrant campus life
  • Classrooms of the future featuring AI tutors, zero-gravity seating, and holographic displays

The final collection imagines Chapman University as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, with each image reflecting a future where technological advancements enhance learning, creativity, and community.

A Vision of the Future

This exhibit invites us not only to admire AI-infused art but also to consider the rapid evolution of AI technology itself. AI tools may have advanced by the time the exhibit concludes in May 2025, creating even more sophisticated and captivating visual experiences. The exhibit reminds us that today’s AI-generated works are just the beginning, with endless possibilities.

About the Artist

Reem Abousaif is a professional photographer based in Orange County, CA, and the founder of Studio Reem. With over 17 years of experience, she specializes in headshots, portraits, and branding photography. Recently, Abousaif has been delving into integrating AI and technology within her creative process, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography. Her passion for technological innovation drives her to explore new ways of storytelling through images, blending artistry with the cutting-edge possibilities of AI.

Beyond the Lens: AI Infusion in Art and Photography is now open at the Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room on the second floor of the Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University.

The exhibit will run from August 2024 to May 2025. 

For more information, contact the Library Outreach and Events Assistant, Alyssa Castanon, at alycastanon@chapman.edu.

* This exhibition is co-sponsored by Chapman University Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) and in support of Chapman University Artificial Intelligence (AI) efforts.

During the Academic Year 2024-2025, Leatherby Libraries proudly celebrates 20 years of supporting the academic experience at Chapman University.