2024 | 00:03:33 | Taiwan, USA | Traditional Chinese | Color | Stereo | 16:9 | Video

This AI video art piece The HØST imagines technology evolving from external devices to permanent implants within the human body, profoundly impacting our lifestyles, cognition, and identity. Inspired by the emergence of generative AI tools like Midjourney in 2021, we blend AI-generated visuals and experimental music to narrate human-tech integration, challenging the boundaries between self and machine.

The story of The HØST begins with 'Mechanical Possession,' showing our dependence on technology and raising questions about the blurring boundaries between the physical body and the digital. Secondly, 'Digital Soul Replacement' highlights the risks of unconsciously ceding control to technology, emphasizing conscious usage for coexistence. Finally, 'Digital Immortality' envisions a harmonious balance where human spirit and technology are peacefully intertwined, celebrating progress while cautioning against the loss of self through misuse.

Original Concept

The HØST originated from Kiki Wu’s AI concept art 'Take back your power, or you will be the host,' wherein electronic devices were depicted as parasites consuming the human body, rendering humans as mere hosts relinquishing control of their lives. Instead of continuing this miserable theme, The HØST expands the concept, offering an alternative conclusion where the spirit within machines is celebrated through our conscious utilization of technology.

Artists currently face challenges to originality and creativity due to the rise of generative AI tools since 2022. Despite ongoing skepticism within creative communities concerning AI, our personal spiritual experiences and curiosity about the unknown continue to drive us forward. This resonates with the theme in The HØST, where we advocate individuals not to oppose the progression of technology, but to raise awareness. The call is for radical acceptance, involving a deep understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of technology and a genuine embrace of our gifts from real-life experience and the superpower to be present in the moment.

The HØST is created by human artists who use generative AI tools, including Midjourney, RunwayML, and ElevenLabs. To showcase the capabilities of generative AI, The HØST presents a wide range of visual and motion styles, encompassing still images, moving images, and AI-generated animation. The HØST aims not only to perpetuate the legacy of video art and film, but also to challenge traditional filmmaking processes.

Exhibitions

2024, Official selection in FILE Festival, Sao Paulo, Braziel

2024, NUDO Festival Viedopoestry program, Barcelona, Spain