Movement and song. Wings and fins depict freedom in the air and sea—the pulse of instinct.

The work depicts a vibrant, abstract scene, with black human silhouettes standing in the foreground, surrounded by organic shapes and flowing patterns. Wavy lines and splashes of yellow, orange, and pink emerge around the figures, creating a sense of movement. In the background, distilled shadows and elements such as stylized eyes and blurred sea creatures blend into a colorful landscape. The light blue pastel background completes this richly textured composition, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere.

Conceptualization: The work explores the notion of fluidity between human identity and natural elements, suggesting an intimacy between the individual and their environment. The black silhouettes perhaps represent archetypes of humanity or divinity, while the shapes and colors emerging around them evoke the thoughts, emotions, and memories that influence our sense of self. The interplay between the figures and organic elements highlights the complexity of human relationships and our place in the world, leading the viewer to reflect on the duality between the tangible and the ephemeral.

In "Stage 5 – Birds and Sea Creatures," the focus is on the themes of movement and song, where abstract, non-representational wings and fins embody the very essence of freedom in the air and sea. This stage captures the instinctive dance of life as birds and sea creatures navigate their respective realms. By adopting a sub-flat perspective, we can explore the interconnectedness of these life forms and their representations of instinct, freedom, and the rhythm of nature.

Stop Motion vs. AI: Sub-Flat as a Bridge

Sub-Flat, as a layer beneath Superflat, does not simplify the visible but superimposes underground, hybrid, and organic layers:

- Stop Motion: Each frame is a manual gesture, a tangible imperfection…

- Generative AI: The image is born from training on thousands of data points, but retains a "memory" of styles (here, Superflat).

By inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to freedom and instinct. The interaction between birds and water can symbolize the exploration of one's identity and the freedom to express oneself authentically.

By using the work to question how instinct guides personal choices and connections, thus encouraging deeper self-exploration and an understanding of nature's influence on individual journeys. Conclusion

In "Step 5 – Birds and Sea Creatures," the Sub-Flat concept invites a vibrant exploration of the freedom, movement, and the instinctive rhythms of nature. By focusing on dynamic representations of birds and sea creatures, the work becomes a celebration of the interconnectedness of life, prompting the viewer to reflect on their own experiences of freedom and expression. Through immersive visuals and captivating experiences, this work enriches the project's narrative, deepening our understanding of our shared existence within the larger fabric of life.

In short, this stage is a Sub-Flat manifesto: an additional layer that complicates reality to better reveal its invisible connections in a unique collaboration between Muriel Lherm and Treeskulltown.