What we can imagine we can create together

Have you ever heard of the term “Ubuntu”? It is an African Nguni Bantu term which means “I am because you/we are”. It is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. We can save ourselves and each other if only we hold on to that bond and strive together.

We live in a deeply unequal and unjust world. But there are many people across the planet dreaming of a different future. A green future. A fair one. In a time of chaos they dare to dream.

Building a better world together is within our reach, the first step is to imagine it. We invited a group of young artists to use their imagination and illustrate the future they envision. Working with Artificial Intelligence, they started visualizing using specific keywords, which came to life as pieces of art.

Through their imagination they brought hope and inspired us to imagine a future that respects people and the earth. They reminded us to dare to dream, together.

We salute their creativity and imagination with a selection of these beautiful creations:

1. George – Zambia

Vertical growing yard – towers of food. © AI/George – Zambia

“The best way to predict the future is to imagine it. AI technology is the best tool that creates imaginations into visual images…Therefore,we can use AI to imagine and create positive enjoyable environments…for now and future generations.”

2. Jess Alexander – South Africa

Climate change infographic – resilience and adaptation. © AI/Jess Alexander – South Africa

Children of different races huddle together – one team. © AI/Jess Alexander – South Africa

With all our differences, we come together and make a pact for a better future. © AI/Jess Alexander – South Africa

Everyone counts, everyone is counted. © AI/Jess Alexander – South Africa

Future car propelled by a green heart. © AI/Jess Alexander – South Africa

3. Brendan Jackson – South Africa

Citizen of Afrofuturist Jo’burg. © AI/Brendan Jackson – South Africa

“I found the experience of creating AI generated images to be incredibly interesting and thought provoking. As an artist I have always been slightly apprehensive of AI generated images because of the ramifications the technology has for artists. Whilst I don’t believe that AI and AI generated images (not art) can hold a candle to the work of true artists, the technology does allow the everyday person, with no particular artist skill or training, the ability to bring their ideas and visions into the physical realm. Particularly visions for an alternative future.”

4. Lucia – Chile

Bounty – enough for all. © AI/Lucia – Chile

City full of rooftop vegetable gardens. © AI/Lucia – Chile

5. Ljakaa – Kenya

“My prompts and images were mainly generated based on my region of residence which is in Arusha, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. For Arusha which is considered the capital of the EAC I wanted to generate imagery that envisioned this society and community of beautiful people and a vision of the future of this space. I was also working to “teach” it to accept prompts of the localities many of us in the Global South are used to seeing and living in.” 

An inclusive multicultural and dazzling world. © AI/Ljakaa – Kenya

Afrofuturist city in Kenya. © AI/Ljakaa – Kenya

6. Keagan – South Africa

Indonesian city powered by the sun. © AI/Keagan – South Africa

City of trees and light. © AI/Keagan – South Africa

7. Bondan (Iskandar Fahmi)  – Indonesia

“I dream of a future where anything is possible and where we are all free to pursue our passions and fulfill our potential. It’s a future where we work together towards a common goal, where we celebrate our differences and embrace our diversity, and where we strive to make the world a better place for all.”

Fantastical Crocodile Dragon – Defending Nature. © AI/Bondan (Iskandar Fahmi) – Indonesia

8. Manuel – Panama

That Which Binds Us and Holds Us Up © AI/Manuel – Panama

Flower power. © AI/Manuel – Panama

9. Ando (Reza Armando) – Indonesia

The glorious Jam Gadang Bukit Tinggi at sunset
© AI/Ando (Reza Armando) – Indonesia

10. John – Australia

Jakarta Clean City streets with Birds. © AI/John – Australia