Google Arts & Culture launches Esther Mahlangu retrospective with AI-generated content

What changed

Google Arts & Culture has announced an online retrospective of Dr. Esther Mahlangu, featuring more than 45 curated stories, virtual tours, and AI-generated content that visually recreates her undocumented memories. The project, titled "‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’: Esther Mahlangu, a Retrospective," was developed in collaboration with Dr. Nontobeko Ntombela, Google DeepMind, and the Google Arts & Culture Lab. AI was used to generate still images based on Esther’s memories, which were then turned into videos using Veo technology.

What this means in practice

The retrospective includes content that fills gaps in Esther’s early life, such as her discovery of her talent for painting at age 10 using feathers instead of a brush. The project was made possible through a series of workshops and interviews with Esther, Ntombela, and the Google team. The AI-generated content is part of a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage and ensure Esther’s story and artistic vision can inspire future generations. The online archive includes contributions from multiple institutions, including the British Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and the Serpentine.

Limitations and availability

The project is available on Google Arts & Culture, with access to more than 45 exhibitions and curated content. The AI-generated content is based on Esther’s memories and archival material, but the source does not specify the exact methodology or technical details of the AI models used. The retrospective is part of a broader initiative to use technology in the preservation of cultural heritage, guided by respect for personal memory and historical accuracy.

Sources and further reading

1. googleai: Experience the art and legacy of Dr. Esther Mahlangu