Google Brings Back App that Turns Selfies Into Famous Artworks by van Gogh, Rembrandt, and More

For those who missed the art selfie craze, it has officially returned—this time using generative AI.

In 2020, Google Arts and Culture launched an art filter that situated users inside masterworks by Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Johannes Vermeer, and other notable artists from throughout art history.

As part of the updated Art Selfie 2, users are invited to take a selfie–style portrait before selecting an art historical backdrop. Such options include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Monet’s Garden, and Rembrandt’s the Night Watch, among others. After the user has made their selection, the image transforms and, while waiting, the app provides details about their origins and creation.

Additionally, another program Art Remix allows users to alter famous paintings by changing words in a text description of the work. It offers text options as well as the opportunity to add user-generated words and phrases, thereby allowing users to create their own version of the works in the style of various masters such as van Gogh and Caspar David Friedrich.

Art Selfie 2 and Art Remix are available on Google Arts and Culture’s free app for smartphones.