Garin Curtis
About
I am a London-based creative technologist, musician, and artist exploring the intersection of machine learning and new media technologies. My work centers on designing and leveraging creative AI tools that go beyond conventional applications, crafting immersive 3D environments and innovative sound design experiences.
Research
Beyond Prompts: Developing An Expressive Tool for Real-Time Manipulation of Diffusion Models through Active Divergence
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel approach to real-time manipulation of diffusion models by integrating network bending techniques into the 2D Conditional U-Net model within the StreamDiffusion pipeline. Leveraging the flexibility of TouchDesigner, I developed an interactive tool designed for seamless integration into artistic workflows, enabling users to manipulate generative outputs dynamically and expressively. Unlike traditional text-to-image models, my tool facilitates open ended exploration of the latent space, producing a diverse range of outputs that actively diverge from the training data. Through artistic experimentation, I demonstrate the tool’s ability to generate outputs ranging from subtle enhancements to abstract transformations, unlocking new creative possibilities. This research provides a foundation for advancing real-time, artist-driven interaction with generative AI models, bridging the gap between technical innovation and creative expression.
Installation
Beyond Prompts
Projects
The Crypt
Work
Ancestral (R)evocations - Tate Modern
I worked with artist Erika Tan to help realise her semantic sound data sonification which was apart of the Ancestral (R)evocations installation in the Tate Modern Tanks in October 2024. The work explores data sonification through a DIY diagnostic tool comprising fragmented instruments, mechanised parts, and live machine-learning feedback, manifesting as physical and virtual interventions into ancestral and archival traces via performance, sound, video, text, and computational and human labour.
Music Projects
DAMEFRISØR
Forming at a Bristol club night in 2019; DAMEFRISØR bring an appreciate for sonics seen in the shoegaze bands of yesteryear, alongside contemporary alternative acts.
In the spring of 2021 the band released their debut singles 'Do You Think I'm Special?' and '2- HEH-V' released via Permanent Creeps Records. The singles would go on to receive plaudits from the music press and radio alike, with both singles being championed by Steve Lamacq and the latter featuring on the BBC 6 Music Playlist for three weeks whilst collating six-figure streams.
Following hot on the heels of their previous singles the band ventured to Leeds in the summer of 2022 to record their debut EP; 'Island of Light' with producer Alex Greaves (Working Men's Club, bdrmm, LICE), which was released to the world this February, and again met with great reception, including a 4-star review in DIY magazine, as well as radio-play from champions BBC 6 Music. The EP was also supplemented with a UK headline tour including a sold-out show at The Windmill, London.
Over the years they have supported names such as Katy J Pearson, Squid, Folly Group and KEG whilst playing shows across the country, including Bristol's Dot2Dot festival, Swn Festival - Cardiff, Ceremony Festival - Bedford and This Must Be The Place - Leeds.
Contact
phone: 07748655773
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