Mingyong Cheng, Xuexi Dang, Zetao Yu. Juried Artist
Constellations
WebXR on the Styly platform
Artist Statement
The Fusion: Landscape and Beyond series explores the nexus of nature, urbanization, and artificial intelligence (AI), reimag-ing “AI Memory” as a participatory archive, where AI trans-cends from a mere tool to an integral participant in crafting synthetic memories that resonate with the collective cultural narratives. Beginning with “Synthesis of Time and Terrain (V1),” the series juxtaposes traditional Chinese landscapes against AI’s modernity, reflecting on environmental and urban shifts. Utilizing animations and augmented reality generated through advanced self-fine-tuned Stable Diffusion model, it examines the tension between natural beauty and urban expan-sion. The subsequent phase, “Calligram of Contrast (V2),” introduces an interactive installation merging AI-generated cityscapes with traditional brushworks, invoking a philosophi-cal pursuit of harmony amidst environmental concerns. Through Clip Interrogator technology and infrared tracking sensor, the 2D canvas is transformed into a 3D space that is interactive and intrusive. The finale, “Illuminating Urban Scars (V3),” critically scrutinizes China’s halted urban projects, rep-resenting the repercussions of unchecked development and human cost. This trilogy highlights AI’s ability to fuse historical artistry with contemporary issues, positioning “AI Memory” as a critical medium for cultural discourse and digital heritage.
Styly link: Fusion – Landscape and Beyond: Intersecting Realms of Nature, Ur-banity, and Synthetic Memory
About the artists
Mingyong Cheng, originating from Beijing and now an interdisciplinary new media artist based in California, is at the intersection of AI, generative art, and environmental research. With an MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts from Duke University earned in 2021, Mingyong is deepening her inquiry at the University of California, San Diego, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Art Practice. Her work intricately weaves together visual arts and a passion for environmental studies, treating AI as an integral collaborator in the creative process. Mingyong’s research explores the synergy between synthetic intelligence and human creativity to reinterpret historical narratives, illuminate contemporary issues, and speculate on alternative futures. This inquiry reflects a broader ambition to understand how generative AI can transform our interaction with the past, inform our present, and help us envisage varied futures. Her work has been showcased internationally such as Siggraph Asia Art Gallery, NeurIPS Creative AI Track, the International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) and various global venues.
Mingyong Cheng, an interdisciplinary new media artist from Beijing, now based in California, integrates AI, generative art, and environmental research. Holding an MFA from Duke University, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Art Practice at UC San Diego. Mingyong’s work merges visual arts with environmental studies, using AI as a creative collaborator. Her research explores the synergy between synthetic intelligence and human creativity, reinterpreting historical narratives and addressing contemporary issues. Internationally showcased at events like Siggraph Asia and ISEA, her work aims to transform our interaction with the past, present, and future.
Xuexi Dang, from Beijing, China, is an emerging Art History scholar and Ph.D. student at UC San Diego. She earned her MA in East Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. Her research explores modern China’s visual culture, focusing on the narrative power of images like cartoons and sketches and their public exhibition. She also examines contemporary intersections of science and art, particularly the evolution of traditional forms in modern art. Xuexi’s work has been featured at international conferences, including Siggraph Asia Art Gallery and NeurIPS Creative AI Track.
Zetao Yu, originally from Shanghai, China, is a California-based software developer at Amazon who is deeply passionate about the intersection of art and technology. In addition to his professional role, Zetao dedicates time to independent research in computational art, collaborating with media artists to create captivating artworks. His collaborative creations have been showcased internationally. He holds an MS in Computer Science from Duke University and dual BS degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics from Rutgers University, with a specialized focus on robotics research.
Credits: Co-director & Artist: Mingyong Cheng, Co-director & Art Historian: Xuexi Dang, Software Engineer: Zetao Yu, Chinese Literature Support: Xingwen Zhao