yaqian
About
Blurred hands
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances in the field of generating images and occupies more positions, I inevitably became intrigued by it. When I input content, the AI platform generates some randomness based on the database. Due to various reasons within the model and the existing database, some images may exhibit faults. One notable representation is the blurry hands generated by AI.
Artificial intelligence, as the "virtual" side, has its foundation rooted in extensive training with large amounts of realworld data. In the realm between virtuality and reality, everyone seeks new tools to create more perfect images, aiming to avoid the uncomfortable "uncanny valley" and the awkward middle ground. However, for me, the interest lies in these blurred, imperfect raw images, exploring the visual archives in the intermediate value zone between the virtual and the real. The exposed weaknesses in the technical process give me the opportunity to glance at the cables inside.
The mistakes the AI made in hands
In my practice, the imperfect hands crafted by artificial intelligence symbolize glitches within new technologies and platforms, which I employ within the alchemy of images. Glitches provide a marvellous interruption experience, detaching objects from their normal forms and discourses. The errors generated by AI provide an opportunity for me to explore various underlying reasons, simultaneously gaining insights into the elements and principles constituting artificial intelligence, as well as the various factors limiting current technology.
In terms of media expression, I utilize an old-fashioned computer host as an exterior, clearing its internal components to create space for an interactive screen. The disk portion of the host is removed, creating a small gap through which the AI-generated glitch hand animation can be viewed from certain angles. However, this information is not directly presented unless actively viewed from a specific posture. I set the exhibition scene in an office, creating an extremely mundane atmosphere. However, glitches—blurry hands constantly appear in this scene, noticeable only upon careful observation.
Interactive device modified from an old computer / 55 cm x 55 cm x 25 cm / Computer case, discarded cables, Raspberry Pi
Glove carpet / 75 cm x 35 cm / screen printing, 30 pairs of construction gloves, hand-stitched
Dynamic hanging sculpture / 150 cm x 28 cm / computer parts, metal frame, Raspberry Pi
Corner question
Inside the small screen within the computer, l've set up an artificial intelligence-driven video highlighting the concept of hands and glitches, guided by text prompts and a small-scale database. It transitions from sketchy black-and-white depictions of hands to hyper-realistic portrayals, showcasing individual hands and their interactions within a group. Through the viewing method of the artwork installation and the setting of the internal environment, I reflect on my perspective of Al-generated imperfect glitch images—errors provide us with the opportunity to glimpse into the system's inner cables.