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ISSN: XXXX-XXXX SPECIAL ISSUE 2025
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This special issue of Future Earth Journal:
Explorations in Art and Generative AI showcases
the work of visual art students from the Fall 2024
Selected Topics visual art course Explorations in Art
and AI. Each featured artist engaged with genera-
tive artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to create original
artworks that respond to and reflect on current
conversations in art and technology. Through their
unique practices, these students explored Gen AI as
a tool, a collaborator, and/or a conceptual influence.
The artworks featured here—and in the exhibi-
tion held at the TRU Art Gallery from March 17–29,
2025—highlight the cultural, ethical, environmental,
and creative dimensions of using Gen AI in artistic
production.
Bryanna Dyer is one of the participating artists
whose work exemplifies this exploration.
AI Source: ChatGPT
ARTIST STATEMENT
Comic Adaptation: "AM". Based on Harlan Elli-
son’s I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
Adapting Ellison’s harrowing short story was
an intimidating yet necessary undertaking. As an
anti-capitalist comic artist living through the rapid
rise of generative AI, I felt compelled to view AM—
Ellison’s AI antagonist—through the lens of our
late-stage capitalist society. Unlike typical AI villains,
AM is a consciousness created by humans, denied
humanity, and trapped in isolation. Its horror lies not
only in power, but in its sensory deprivation and des-
perate longing for experience.
AM
Bryanna Dyer
(AKA Gouda Mourning)
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Figure 1. Excerpt from Final Zine, "AM" (2024) by Bryanna Dyer,
Digital Comic.
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“AM is a consciousness trapped in
sensory deprivation; a mind cre-
ated by human hands yet denied
humanity. AM’s horror isn’t simply
in its power but in its isolation—a
sentience, shaped by human
impulses, that yearns for experi-
ence.” — Adapted with ChatGPT
Process
I began with an independent conceptualiza-
tion of the adaptation, resisting the influence of AI’s
first outputs. Once I had my themes and structure
in place, I consulted ChatGPT to help expand on
Ellison’s original ideas and to develop a production
schedule. I used the app Procreate to illustrate and
format the comic, incorporating photography from
my phone for mixed media elements. The comic is
primarily monochrome, with colour reserved only
for the human characters to highlight their fragility
and distinctiveness within AM’s constructed world.
I printed the comic as a zine, adding a hand-
made touch to the physical copy: the cover is
black construction paper with cut-out text and
aluminum foil representing AM’s mask. Eventually,
I plan to upgrade this to a mirrored surface so that
readers see their reflection—echoing moments
within the comic and emphasizing the theme of
self-perception.
While I usually take six months to create a
24-page comic, I completed this piece in just under
three. It was a significant challenge, but a worth-
while one. If I had more time, I would further develop
the characters’ internal worlds and collaborate with
professional photographers. Still, I’m proud of what
I accomplished within the constraints and grateful
for the chance to experiment with genre, form, and
concept.
“This adaptation stands as both a
homage to Ellison’s timeless horror
and a critique of our own relentless
drive to create tools of power and con-
trol—a reminder that technological
advancement without ethical ground-
ing is a path fraught with peril.”
Artist Background
Bryanna Dyer, also known as Gouda Mourning,
is a neurodivergent, nonbinary comic artist based
in Kamloops, B.C., working toward self-publishing
their zines. AM marks their first foray into existen-
tial sci-fi horror. They were drawn to Ellison’s themes
because of the controversy surrounding AI image
generators and their eects on the art community,
alongside Ellison’s eerie warnings about technology
and control.
“I feel strongly that the original work is
more relevant than ever. AM is omni-
present—my hope is that readers
see what an AM with internet access
can become, and the dehumaniz-
ing potential of controlling people’s
perceptions of themselves and their
reality.”
Comment from instructor
Twyla Exner: Bry came into the course
ethically opposed to AI’s use in art cre-
ation but wanted to learn more about
their “enemy”. They chose to engage
with AI as a subject maer for their
project.
Figure 2. Excerpt from Final Zine, "AM" (2024) by Bryanna Dyer,
Digital Comic.
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They created a 24-page comic of an
alternative universe adaptation of
Harlan Ellisons “I Have No Mouth, and
I Must Scream”. They were drawn to
the themes of Ellison’s work due to the
controversy of AI image generators
and their eects on the art com-
munity as well as Harlan’s haunting
cautionary theories on technological
advancement.
View the Zine
To view the full zine, please scan the QR code
below.
A printed copy of this Zine can also be viewed
at the Thompson Rivers University Library.
Figure 3. Exhibition presentation of the Final Zine, "AM" (2024) by Bryanna Dyer, Digital Comic.
(Image credit: Twyla Exner)
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Exhibit Installation (2024) (Image credit: Twyla Exner)
