Named after the mythical Greek hybrid composed of different animals, Chimera /kai-mir-ah/ Lab embodies the fusion of diverse elements. Chimera Lab is where past and future meet, a nostalgic daydream recalling the early Internet days in a humoristic and lighthearted spirit. It’s an antidote offering a playful escape from the often overwhelming real world.

Chimera Lab is a project crafted by Liana Paberza (b. 1991, Latvia) a Copenhagen-based fashion and print designer. The journey to Chimera Lab began in 2019, but its distinctive aesthetic truly took shape after she graduated from the Master of Fine Arts program at The Swedish School of Textiles in 2023.

With the rapidly growing developments in Artificial Intelligence, Liana’s focus area and thesis were centered around implementing AI text-to-image tools in print development. The findings brought out an intriguing visual language in the expression where analog and digital worlds meet — forging a hybrid reality that encapsulates the zeitgeist of our era.

 

Our Philosophy

 

At the heart of Chimera Lab is a belief that creativity is about adaptation, reinvention, and embracing the tools available to express the limitless imagination of the human mind. This philosophy is grounded in the ethical and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies like AI, using them to enhance creativity and not replace it. Chimera Lab is an invitation to see technology not as a threat but as a partner in artistic discovery, crafting a universe where the impossible becomes possible.

“When working with AI I aim to showcase the good use cases — how it can spark ideas that seemed impossible before or unlock new dimensions of our imagination.”

To design for the future, we look to the past. As we enter the next stage of digital reality, it’s worth reflecting on the early 2000s — a time of future optimism when society envisioned a symbiotic relationship between technology and humans. Chimera Lab channels both the nostalgia and chaotic energy of the early web by offering playful prints, humorous narratives, and surreal imagery that retell our ongoing complex relationship with technology.

In a time of global uncertainty and fear of what’s next, our core spirit is hope for a creative future where new tech can be harnessed to reinvent and bring positive change. We hold space for the possibility that AI might reshape the world for the better, making creativity more accessible and sparking a renewed appreciation for traditional art forms. It’s about engaging with technology mindfully, acknowledging its risks, and seeing its promise.