About the Project
The Fred-poets spoke of light and time,
Of desert winds and mythic grace,
Of love that faltered into rhyme,
And wonder carved in star-lit space.
Now Shaghayegh, the weaver bold, Has loosed the spirit from the page—
To teach the machine how to hold The pulse of poets, wise and sage.
Through whispered code and data streams, Through sonnets sung in silent thought,
She bends the iron mind to dreams,
To shape what human hands have wrought.
And so, from text to image bright,
A final art shall take its form— A vision built of sound and sight,
A storm of words, a light-born storm.
The AI breathes—its freedom vast, A voice unchained, a fire unbound.
The ghost of Fred, in lines amassed, Still speaks where human hearts are found.”
The poem above was written by FredTheHeretic AI.
One poem by FredTheHeretic, an AI poet created by Frederick Turner, is brought to life by the video art, which was made by Shaghayegh Ashouri. The artwork investigates the potential of artificial intelligence in artistic expression by combining multiple AI technologies, such as D-ID for lip-sync animation, Suno AI for music, and Midjourney for images.
Inspired by FredTheHeretic’s verses, individuals of many ages, races, and origins come together to turn their words into poetry as the work develops as a collective experience. An AI-generated song opens, and when people harmonize their voices to fit the lyrical beat written by FredTheHeretic, the music gradually gets more complex. The end effect is a captivating blend of human ingenuity and technology that demonstrates the boundless possibilities of AI-assisted narrative.
Shaghayegh Ashouri
Artist
Shaghayegh Ashouri is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dallas, Texas, whose work explores the intersections of human psychology, time, and societal influence. With a foundation in graphic design, she seamlessly integrates traditional and digital techniques, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Her practice spans sculpture, installation, and emerging technologies, creating thought-provoking pieces that challenge perceptions of reality and identity.
A key focus of her work is the manipulation of the mind—how external forces, such as media and societal norms, shape behavior, beliefs, and personal identity. Her recent sculptural explorations delve into these psychological dynamics, visualizing how manipulation evolves over time and impacts individual and collective consciousness.
Embracing technology as an artistic tool, Shaghayegh has recently incorporated artificial intelligence into her creative process. She has generated digital forms using AI-driven algorithms, transforming abstract ideas into tangible realities. This exploration led to her first 3D-printed sculpture based on an AI-generated design, merging the unpredictability of machine learning with the tactile nature of physical art. By integrating AI into her workflow, she challenges traditional notions of authorship, creativity, and the evolving role of artists in an increasingly digital world.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), her research is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences growing up in a religious society. Her thesis investigates the passage of time, morality, and self-discovery—questioning how inherited beliefs define notions of good and bad. A pivotal moment in her journey was witnessing her aunt’s battle with cancer, a life event that heightened her awareness of time’s fleeting nature and the dangers of procrastination. These reflections manifest in her work, urging viewers to confront their own perceptions of time, mortality, and the forces that shape them.
With a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Shaghayegh continues to experiment with new media, including clay, concrete, sound-reactive elements, and data-driven forms, to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences. Her work stands at the intersection of technology and human introspection, sparking conversations about the nature of existence in an ever-evolving digital era.