Like a lot of people I was quite taken aback by the sudden loss of a the truly great actor, Michael K. Williams in the past weeks. But if there was one bright spot connected to this tragic event it’s that it lead me to discover the work of Dr. Nettrice R. Gaskins and her portraiture created via the use of machine learning and algorithms. The image she created of Michael K. Williams is a great example of how these co-operations between woman and machine can lead to intriguing results.
The portrait for me was able to capture something of what I can only image is part of the great thespians golden soul and is a fitting tribute to the class and sensitivity the man seemed to exude. Capturing something like the essence of a person is what for me great portraiture is about and Dr. Gaskins did just that with this piece for me and many others, making it a much shared and appreciated image by those trying to place the loss of someone they never really knew, but loved nonetheless.
