Yinka Ilori Utilizes AI to Realize His Artistic Vision

As a British-Nigerian artist, designer, and storyteller, my journey with Google Arts & Culture Lab has led to the creation of an enchanting digital playground named Dreaming with Flamingos. This project draws its inspiration from a local playground in Barking, London, known as Flamboyance of Flamingos. Through this collaboration, I've been able to delve deep into my passion for storytelling and the rich tapestry of Nigerian folklore, enhanced by the capabilities of Google AI.

A Musical Playground

In my first digital interactive piece, Dreaming with Flamingos, you step into the feathers of a young flamingo on a mission to revive the lost song of the park. Your task is to aid the elder flamingos in recapturing their lost wisdom, the vibrant essence that once animated this musical haven, by solving intriguing riddles scattered throughout the game.

Each riddle you crack unveils a unique, generative soundtrack, echoing the rhythms of West African instruments. As you progress through the levels, you're rewarded with two digital artworks, each inspired by beloved Nigerian parables, crafted in collaboration with Google's technology.

A Collaboration with Google AI

Working alongside the Google Arts & Culture Lab, we've built an experimental 3D playground using WebGL. The soundtrack, crafted by Google DeepMind's Lyria, draws inspiration from my Nigerian roots, allowing players to explore over 400 sound combinations and curate their own musical journey within the park. We also fine-tuned a Google AI model, trained on my favorite designs, to produce 38 collectible artworks that reflect my bold and vibrant aesthetic. By completing both levels, you can earn these artworks and create your personalized soundtrack filled with delightful musical surprises.

Storytelling, Technology, and Ancient Tradition

Dreaming with Flamingos was born from the real-world charm of Flamboyance of Flamingos in London. During its creation, stories from local elderly residents about flamingos once inhabiting the area inspired me to weave themes of memory, community, and joy into this digital space.

My Nigerian heritage, steeped in folklore and vibrant traditions, has always fueled my creative spirit. With Google's cutting-edge AI tools, I'm able to blend this ancient wisdom with modern technology, crafting an experience that resonates with the past while embracing the future.

A Call to Play and Dream

What does dreaming mean to you? For me, it's about envisioning a world that fosters a sense of belonging and is accessible to all, particularly those who can't easily visit galleries and museums.

My vision for Dreaming with Flamingos is to encourage you to forge new, meaningful connections with nature and each other. After each level, I invite you to stay, play, and immerse yourself in the sounds and stories around you.

Explore Dreaming with Flamingos on the Google Arts & Culture app and website, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this musical and storytelling journey.