Welcome to my updated portfolio, where I fuse digital art with the magic of generative AI. A year ago, I conceptualized the “OIL” project and, in December 2024, unveiled its newest iteration. Though the focus remains on ecological disasters—particularly in Anapa—I refined my approach by spotlighting a single muse and evolving the concept into a music video. It’s ironic that many fears new technologies, when we might be wiser to fear our own careless actions.
“OIL” was born from reflecting on how oil spills harm our planet. By contrasting slick black oil against a stark white backdrop, I illuminate the tension between human progress and environmental destruction. The avant-garde angle is deliberate—by breaking traditional aesthetics, we’re compelled to confront our complicity in a world on the brink.
Anna appears in two distinct images, each symbolizing a precarious balance in our world—a calm that’s slipping away. Covered in oil, she stands as a stark reminder that what seems serene can quickly turn volatile. This postmodern anxiety underscores our fragile illusions of safety.
"OIL” is a subtle but insistent reminder: preserving Earth is a shared responsibility. Ecological disasters demand we look inward and reexamine our choices. Avant-garde isn’t just a style here; it’s a call to question the status quo and reshape our future with a more careful, deliberate hand.
Earlier versions of “OIL” stirred discussions about ecological accountability. Now, with Anna at its heart, this iteration deepens that dialogue. The two symbolic images emphasize how easily equilibrium can be lost, encouraging viewers to reflect on humanity’s collective vulnerability.
Buoyed by this response, I plan to explore further AI-driven activism, forging alliances with environmental organizations and experimenting with immersive media. The avant-garde spirit remains central, challenging boundaries as we seek a new harmony between technology, art, and the fragile world we share.
For collaboration inquiries, commissions, or more details about my process, contact me at karloff.studio@gmail.com or follow my Instagram @sergekarloff.
Initial Conceptualization
Shifting from static images to a music video heightened the emotional range of the “OIL” concept.
Data Preparation & Training
I used one neural network for animation, training it on fifteen short videos of Anna. This specialized dataset lent a deeper realism and character consistency.
Video Generation
Kling AI brought the frames to life, smoothly synchronizing lip movements and music—an unsettling yet powerful reflection of environmental urgency.
Post-Processing
Adobe Premiere handled the final edit, emphasizing restraint over effects. The lyrics emerged from GPT-4o, while the music, generated by Suno AI, layered the video with a subtle, lingering tension.
