Inside The Visual Dome, A World Prompted Into Existence With AI
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven creativity, few projects have captured the imagination of Instagram like The Visual Dome, a sprawling and intricate digital world conceived by Tony Rapacioli, a music producer turned visual artist. The Visual Dome is more than just a series of images; it’s an entire universe painstakingly crafted through the lens of AI. With a rapidly growing global following (700K on Instagram), The Visual Dome has become a phenomenon in the world of AI art, attracting both fans and professionals from across the creative spectrum.
Rapacioli, originally from London and now based in Australia, discovered AI as a creative tool in late 2022. Within weeks, says the artist, he was inspired to conceptualize the world of The Visual Dome. “It all happened very quickly,” he explained in an interview. “I found my style, and then I realized this needed context. I had to figure out how this world really worked.”
The Visual Dome is not just a collection of stylistically similar AI-generated images; it’s a universe, filled with elaborate narratives and its own fictional history. Rapacioli has mapped out districts, populations, and bloodlines, creating a parallel world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. He’s tapped into the nostalgia that infuses every cinematic image AI generates.
“The Visual Dome represents a significant leap forward in the application of AI in art,” wrote David L. Perry in AMF Magazine earlier this year. “It’s not just about the technology; it’s about creating an immersive experience that resonates emotionally with the audience.” This emotional resonance is a key factor in why The Visual Dome has struck such a deep chord with audiences worldwide. Its unique blend of fantasy and realism captivates fans (also known as Domers). “Rapacioli has managed to use AI to bridge the gap between traditional and digital art, creating a world that feels both familiar and entirely new,” Perry added.
Before discovering AI, Rapacioli was deeply entrenched in the music industry, running a sound design company that operates globally within the electronic music scene. “I’ve always needed a creative outlet,” he said. “Photography was something I did on the side, and that’s where all the whole AI photography and world-building happened.” His background in photography and design has undoubtedly influenced his work on The Visual Dome, giving him an eye for detail and composition.
“The Visual Dome’s followers are captivated by the level of detail and the sense of belonging it provides,” wrote Sophia Mitchell in Essentialist last year. “It’s more than just art — it’s a world where people can lose themselves.” This deep connection between the art and its audience is what sets The Visual Dome apart, creating not just fans but an engaged community that sees Rapacioli’s work as more than mere images. “There’s a feeling behind this one,” he said. “It has gravitas, it has legs. And I’m putting in the hours.”
Originally published on Forbes.com on August 20th, 2024.
