ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

WHAT IF: An Imagined Interview with Andrei Tarkovsky on AI, Time, and Art

opinion-review · 2026-08-12

In its 'WHAT IF' series, the Italian publication Collater.al features a fictional dialogue with the renowned Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky (1932-1986). This imaginative interview, crafted in Italian, delves into Tarkovsky’s potential perspectives on modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and its influence on artistic expression. Presented as a machine-generated imitation of Tarkovsky's voice, it resonates with themes from his 1972 film 'Solaris'. He critiques AI-generated art for trivializing time, which he regards as sacred, likening it to corpses. Tarkovsky expresses concern over art becoming mere consumables, contrasting it with his belief in art as a form of prayer, urging creators to value truth over expediency. The article also highlights other pieces from Collater.al, featuring interviews with Albert Einstein and street artist Aryz.

Key facts

  • Collater.al published a fictional interview with Andrei Tarkovsky as part of its 'WHAT IF' series.
  • The interview imagines Tarkovsky's responses to questions about AI, time, and art.
  • Tarkovsky's concept of 'sculpting in time' is central to the discussion.
  • The interview references Tarkovsky's films 'Solaris' and 'Stalker'.
  • Tarkovsky criticizes AI-generated art for lacking the temporal dimension essential to creation.
  • He compares AI-generated images to well-preserved corpses.
  • He argues that art as 'content' is the opposite of art as prayer.
  • The interview suggests that technology fulfills desires instantly, like the Room in 'Stalker'.
  • Tarkovsky advises artists to prioritize truth over speed and to not confuse the medium with the end.
  • The article also lists other stories from Collater.al, including interviews with Albert Einstein and street artist Aryz.

Entities

Artists

  • Andrei Tarkovsky
  • Albert Einstein
  • Aryz

Institutions

  • Collater.al

Sources