An exhibition titled “cAI: Soul Scan” is currently on at Navy Yard No.1 in Barra, with the event marking the first solo presentation of the custom-developed AI model called “cAI”, according to a statement at the exhibition venue.
cAI, according to integrated resort operator MGM’s website, was developed by artist Cai Guo-Qiang and his team, with research having begun in 2017. It “deep learns” from the artist’s artworks, archives and areas of interest, as well as emulates contemporary and historical figures that he admires.
The exhibition organised by MGM features around 20 works created specifically for Macau, the website notes, which were created by cAI under the Quanzhou-born artist’s guidance and, according to the exhibition statement, were inspired by the history of the A-Ma* folk beliefs and customs in Macau and Quanzhou, as well as the “southward transmission of A-Ma culture”. It is also the artist’s attempt to the explore the development of art history in the age of AI.
Among others, the exhibition features a cAI-generated self-introduction and the debut painting exhibition by “gunpowder artist cAI”, along with interactive installations.
Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited Pansy Ho Chiu-King was quoted as saying: “Through an in-depth exploration of Macau’s profound cultural context and humanistic spirit with Mr Cai, the timeless vitality and infinite possibilities of historical cultural legacies come to life. We are living in the wave of AI and technologies. We embrace them with creativity and originality to vilify history and culture”.
Cai, who was born in 1957, has had over 650 exhibitions and projects across five continents, among them 120 solo exhibitions, according to the statement. His gunpowder art has been on permanent display in the integrated resort operator’s “Chairman’s Collection” since 2019.
The free-admission exhibition, which lasts until June 1 next year, is open from Mondays to Fridays from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at weekends and public holidays. Guided tours are also available, with more details available on https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/mgm-caiguoqiang-debut-exhibition
* The widely revered A-Ma deity, also known as Mazu or Tin Hau, is a significant figure in Chinese folk religion and is primarily venerated as the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen and sailors. Her name, “A-Ma,” translates to “Mother,” reflecting her role as a nurturing and protective figure. – Source: Poe
– Photos: Rui Pastorin
