20 AUG 2024
Guangzhou, China - The Thrust of Computational Media & Arts (CMA) at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (Guangzhou) is excited to share that five media and AI artworks will be showcased at the renowned media art event, Ars Electronica, in Linz, Austria. Led by Prof. James She, CMA, a group of talented student artists will be presenting their innovative and creative artworks at the Ars Electronica Campus Exhibit in Linz, Austria during September 4-8, 2024.
These carefully reviewed and selected artworks by a panel of CMA faculty members, external media artist and art educators, exploring themes of inclusivity, cultural connections, emotional healing, and hope for the future, represent a fusion of traditional art forms and cutting-edge technology. Co-curated by, Ms. Fiona Wang You (CMA Ph.D. candidate) and Prof. James She, the exhibition theme "Convergence: A Melodic Dance of Language, Ink, and Emotion in the Cosmos" showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and technology through AI, media technologies and cultural heritage.
Featuring artists such as Jiayang Huang, Yue Huang, Yulin Shen, Joshua Nijiati Alimujiang, Fiona You Wang, Hiimorit, Jiaqi Shi, Tianyu Lin, Zhen Wu, Changkun Liu, and Xingxing Yang, mainly from the CMA of HKUST Guangzhou campus, along with a group of student artists from the Hong Kong campus, each artwork offers a unique perspective and invites viewers to engage in a sensory experience that celebrates the fusion of Eastern and Western influences, heritage inclusivity, cosmic dialog through sound and senses, and emotional connections in Virtual Reality.
Highlighted artworks include:
1. "Ephemera" by Jiayang Huang, Yue Huang, and Yulin Shen: An interactive installation exploring linguistic taboos and the intersection of art and technology.
Ephemera is an interactive installation addressing linguistic taboos. Using a surreal “virus” as an AI embodiment of banned words, we employ generative models for visuals and large language models for communication. This project simulates a world of forbidden language, prompting introspection on unconscious discourse and AI's understanding of censored language. Our work, proposing Language as Virus, Art as Antibody offers new perspectives on language taboos and the art-technology intersection.
2. "Ink Sonata" by Jiaqi Shi and Tianyu Lin: Blending Eastern and Western cultures using AI to transform piano music into emotional calligraphic art.
Ink Sonata merges Eastern and Western cultures using AI to deconstruct piano music into emotions and reconstruct them as calligraphic art. Viewers can explore “calligraphic works” inspired by Beethoven and Pudsey, interact with the art through an interactive piano installation and immerse themselves in the emotional essence of music through oriental ink lines. Ink Sonata challenges cultural boundaries, redefining “understanding” in the digital era and showcasing technology's impact on art.
3. "Hum" by Fiona You Wang and Hiimorit: A blend of data from the James Webb space telescope with ancient nomadic chants, creating a sensory journey connecting viewers with the universe.
After growing up in inner Mongolia, I embraced the nomadic spirit and cosmic nomadism by living in various countries. By converting data from the James Webb space telescope into audible waves and blending them with ancient nomadic chants, viewers can experience a sensory journey that connects them with the universe through organic sounds. This exploration invites audiences to engage with the interplay of sound, senses and human experience, enabling them to actively participate in a cosmic dialog.
4. "DanceYipékda" by Joshua Nijiati Alimujiang: Integrating AI technology with traditional Uyghur Atlas fabric to preserve heritage inclusively.
DanceYipékda is a transformative project that integrates AI technology with traditional Uyghur Atlas fabric to preserve heritage inclusively. The exhibit features 3D-printed sculptures adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, inviting tactile engagement. Through dynamic projection mapping, the artwork comes to life, creating a captivating dialog between physical forms and digital enhancements while also fostering cultural connections and inclusivity in the modern age.
5. "Tame" by Zhen Wu, Changkun Liu, and Xingxing Yang: A musical journey embracing affective emotions and bonds in Virtual Reality.
VR, often seen as an escapist realm, offers solace detached from real-world constraints. What if we could feel genuine affection here, connecting with others on a deeper level? Inspired by The Little Prince, our Tame project is a multi-sensory journey exploring taming, bonding and attach ment. Players, as the Little Prince, traverse diverse locations, discovering emotional bonds. With generative AI for music, Tame enhances engagement and offers a healing, interactive VR experience.
The CMA Thrust at HKUST (Guangzhou) is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology for art, media and design. With their continued participation in Ars Electronica, the initiative receives the vision and support from the CMA Thrust head, Prof. Zhang Kang and the supporting faculty members and student artist supervisors, Prof. James She, Prof. Theo Papatheodorou, Prof. Masu Raul, Prof. David Yip, Prof. Zeyu Wang, Prof. Luwen Yu, Prof. Varvara Guljajeva, Prof. Tristan Braud (HKUST Hong Kong campus), etc., showcasing their supportive and persistent commitment to innovation in creativity for art, media and culture on a global scale.
For more information about the exhibit and the featured artworks, please check our exhibit brochure, or visit the websites of Ars Electronica and the Thrust of Computational Media & Arts at HKUST (Guangzhou)
Contact:
Prof. James She
Associate Professor, Computational Media and Arts, Information Hub, HKUST(GZ)
jamespmshe@hkust-gz.edu.cn