Carmen Martínez / Smithsonian Magazine / The Thinking Machine — Illustrating the Origins of AI

Spanish illustrator Carmen Martínez was commissioned by Smithsonian magazine to create the editorial illustration for “The Thinking Machine,” a feature published in the Summer 2026 issue as part of the magazine’s special America at 250 collector’s edition.

Written by Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, the article explores the origins of artificial intelligence through the story of the pioneering scientist who developed one of the first computers capable of learning in the 1950s. The feature traces the evolution of AI from an ambitious scientific experiment to one of the most transformative technologies shaping modern society.

To visualize this intersection of human and machine intelligence, Carmen Martínez created a striking conceptual illustration featuring two profiles positioned back to back. A vivid purple human face, illuminated by a network of glowing neural connections, merges with a blue machine profile formed from streams of binary code and floating digital pixels. The composition captures the pivotal moment where human cognition and artificial intelligence converge, reflecting the article’s exploration of innovation, technology, and the future of learning machines.

Known for her vibrant color palette and concept-driven approach, Carmen Martínez transforms complex subjects into engaging visual narratives. Her illustration for Smithsonian magazine brings clarity, emotion, and visual impact to a story about the history of artificial intelligence and its profound influence on the modern world.

Art Director: Eritrea Dorcely