Somnium Corvi: A Dreamlike Exploration of AI and Performance Art
- Francesca Fini
- Sep 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
The Art of Vibe Prompting
Somnium Corvi is a dreamlike meditation on space, costume design, performance, and the power of AI-driven imagination—where surreal cinema meets digital live art.
The work was created through a method I call Vibe Prompting—a contemporary evolution of the Exquisite Corpse principle. Unlike traditional cinema, where the process begins with a structured plot, here the genesis is an image, a vision, much like in contemporary performance art.
Within this single image already lie the essential elements: the space that frames the action, the performers who inhabit it, the costumes that extend and transform their bodies, and the theatrical and symbolic gestures they are called upon to perform.
The Process of Co-Creation
From that starting point, the film unfolds not through prewritten narrative arcs, but through a process of improvised co-creation. The characters themselves, together with the space reshaped by their performative action, dictate the path forward. Each scene emerges step by step, growing in dialogue with the AI, in a continuous exchange between human intention and algorithmic suggestion.
This approach allows for a unique exploration of creativity. The AI acts as a partner, suggesting new directions and possibilities. It’s a dance between human and machine, where each influences the other. This collaboration leads to unexpected outcomes, enriching the narrative and visual experience.
Architecture as a Protagonist
Somnium Corvi is therefore not only a film, but also a research practice: an exploration of how AI can generate new dramaturgies where architecture becomes protagonist, costumes transform into extensions of the psyche, and bodies carve out meaning through gestures suspended between the real and the surreal.
In this particular film, the absolute protagonist is architecture—an abandoned church that becomes a space of the soul, unfolding, expanding, and transforming into further impossible chambers where new stories take place. Each story is connected through the extensions of a dreamlike space.
To achieve this, I worked extensively with Kling’s first-frame/last-frame tool. I invented new imaginative transitions and workflows for daring camera movements that resonate with the oneiric character of the film. The architecture itself breathes life into the narrative, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
The Role of AI in Art
The integration of AI in my work opens up new avenues for creativity. It challenges traditional notions of authorship and invites collaboration. The AI suggests possibilities that I might not have considered, pushing me to explore new directions. This partnership creates a dynamic environment where both human and machine contribute to the artistic process.
I find it fascinating how AI can enhance storytelling. It allows for a fluid narrative that evolves in real-time. This is particularly exciting in performance art, where spontaneity is key. The AI becomes a collaborator, helping to shape the performance as it unfolds.
Embracing the Surreal
The surreal elements of Somnium Corvi invite viewers to question reality. The dreamlike quality of the film encourages a deeper exploration of the subconscious. It’s a space where the boundaries between the real and the imagined blur.
As I navigate this terrain, I’m constantly reminded of the power of imagination. The film is a celebration of creativity, inviting audiences to engage with their own dreams and aspirations. It’s about exploring the unknown and embracing the unexpected.
Conclusion: A New Frontier in Art
In conclusion, Somnium Corvi represents a new frontier in art. It’s an innovative blend of performance, architecture, and AI that challenges conventional storytelling. This project not only showcases my artistic vision but also highlights the potential of technology in the creative process.
I’m excited to share this journey with you. As I continue to explore the intersections of art and technology, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of art.
For more insights into my work, check out this link to watch the film.
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