Yes, in an irony that is far from lost on its creator, this illustration was executed by AI.
Sean Bolli of Calgary has been experimenting with AI image generation, using it to create typewriter-themed pulp and comic-book illustrations that he's posted on his Instagram account. The technology is now so much more reliable and impressive than it was even last year. It can create images that concretize nearly anything we can put into words, adding the detail, precision, and aesthetic qualities that most of us are simply unable to create without digital help. Does this debase human effort? Or, with intelligent use, does it enhance our efforts? I wonder what you think.
I myself find Sean's idea here delightful, and I think the AI did an excellent job of realizing it. Using AI to question AI is very much in the spirit of the typewriter insurgency, which (as I interpret my own manifesto) doesn't turn its back on all digital technology, but challenges its supremacy and the assumption that it must be implemented everywhere.
Sean writes:
I have been finding fun in the use of AI as a way to explore imagination and storytelling—transforming ideas into visuals I couldn’t create on my own. While I believe in fair use and shared inspiration, I also believe AI tools must be held to higher ethical standards. Artists deserve transparency, consent, and respect for their work. Creativity should be expansive—but never careless.
In short: I believe in creative freedom—with respect. I support innovation—with responsibility. And I pursue art—whether analog or AI—as an outlet for joy, storytelling, and connection.
This particular piece sort of sums up a bunch of things, the Typewriter Revolution, the emerging 'rebellion' against the digital and a thoughtful look 'back' on what this would have looked like from the past into the future, which is still the past for us today....if that makes sense.
Anyhow remember, like the AI says, 'PROGRESS IS PEACE'