Google Image Search

I was recently told about Google image search, where you can upload an image and search the internet for the original source or similar match. I don't think I'm unique in finding this to be enormous fun, but I also think it could be interesting as a way of 'generating inspiration'. I quite like the idea of relying on arbitrary computer code to expand on ideas. I tried entering a few of my own photographs with some curious results.

 

 

The idea of something being 'visually similar' but in no other way related is fascinating. I'm not sure whether it is possible for humans to think in this way. For example, if I were brainstorming things related to a work, it would include similar concepts, perhaps objects made from the same material or connected to a particular word. In this image search however, it is all about the composition of colours. Although the objects within the generated images are very random, their visual connections might make for some unusual references that might take my work in a different direction. It is also almost as if someone else is looking at my work and suggesting what it reminds them of, as people do in crits and conversations. I might resolve to use this method of unpicking an image from time to time.



 

I had the idea to try out a Blue Marlble image of the colour of my house, thinking that I would be able to find other objects that project this exact same colour. I was really surprised to find that almost none of the images were the same colour blue, and were even colours that couldn't be called blue. Perhaps instead they express some of the subtle texture of the external rendering.