Renowned contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang is set to push the boundaries of art and technology with his innovative solo exhibition “cAI™: Soul Scan” at Macau’s Navy Yard No. 1. Running from November 24, 2024, to June 1, 2025, the exhibition promises to be a transformative exploration of artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.
A Pioneering Fusion of Art and Technology
The exhibition features approximately 20 original works that seamlessly integrate AI technology with Macau’s rich cultural landscape. At the heart of the exhibition is cAI™, a custom-developed AI model that represents a groundbreaking approach to artistic creation and cultural interpretation.
Interactive Digital Fireworks: Reimagining Pyrotechnic Art
One of the exhibition’s most exciting installations transforms Cai’s legendary fireworks artistry into an interactive digital experience. Visitors are invited to become co-creators, designing and launching virtual pyrotechnic displays alongside the AI-powered fireworks master, cAI™. This innovative approach democratizes the art of fireworks, allowing participants to engage directly with the creative process.
Building on Cai’s previous virtual reality fireworks display over the Forbidden City, this installation represents a significant evolution in artistic practice. It demonstrates how artificial intelligence can enhance creative expression, breaking down barriers between artist and audience.
Spiritual Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence
The exhibition delves deep into the intersection of technology and spirituality. Since 2017, Cai and his team have developed cAI™ to do more than simply generate art – the AI model creates a diverse “community” of personas that can engage in complex artistic and philosophical dialogues.
Visitors will encounter truly unique experiences, including:
- A robotic-powered divination room featuring an AI-controlled black cat that performs personalized spiritual readings
- Interactive installations that draw inspiration from Macau’s A-Ma folk beliefs
- AI-generated artworks that challenge traditional concepts of creativity and consciousness
The Robotic Divination Experience
Perhaps the most intriguing installation is the cAI™ Divination Room. Here, visitors encounter a black cat controlled by robotic arms, positioned at the end of a white sand-covered table. Participants write their birthdate in the sand and contemplate a personal question. The AI-powered cat then “performs” a divination, offering a unique oracle artwork that represents a slice of the participant’s soul.
For those seeking additional spiritual guidance, the nearby A-Ma Temple provides a traditional counterpoint to the high-tech divination experience.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Cai Guo-Qiang’s “cAI™: Soul Scan” is more than an art exhibition – it’s a profound exploration of how artificial intelligence can interact with cultural heritage, spirituality, and human creativity. By pushing the boundaries between technology and artistic expression, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider their understanding of art, intelligence, and human experience.
The exhibition runs from November 24, 2024, to June 1, 2025, at Navy Yard No. 1 in Macau, promising to be a landmark event in the intersection of art, technology, and culture.