This project consists of dozens of trained Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), each synthesizing various characteristics of life, a harmonious blend of changing imagery on a small island. Through the blurred, distorted, and surreal features depicted by artificial intelligence, a composite of life becomes a unified entity. This otherworldly shape exists in an undefined location, its rectangular framing acting as both a threshold and a boundary. Standing before this doorway, we perceive a paradoxical juxtaposition of the familiar and the impossible, allowing us to glimpse into a transcendent, mysterious reality. The interplay of visual and perceptual elements creates an immersive experience that disposes with spatial constraints, establishing a direct connection between two worlds.

The place we call society is the abode of humanity, while the domain where animals propagate and thrive is nature. Together we inhabit this blue planet called Earth, a mere speck in the solar system, which in turn is part of the Milky Way, itself a fragment of a vast universe. Our lives represent but a tiny realm in the myriad worlds, yet it constitutes our entirety.

To enhance the depth and impact of my work, I conducted research in Cosmic Science and Psychology. I delved into the Hubble Deep Field images, the structure and position of our solar system within the Milky Way galaxy, as well as concepts like multiverse or parallel worlds to vividly depict our minuscule existence within the vast universe. Concurrently, I aimed to understand more about the concept of 'Sense of Awe' in psychology and explored how it could be applied in my work. By guiding viewers to recognize their insignificance relative to the world or even the entire universe, it generated an understanding of life's distinctiveness and self-awareness which could alleviate stress caused by environment and bring about emotional relief.

I utilized Derrick Schultz's StyleGAN2-ADA-PyTorch on Google Colaboratory to learn and work with GAN networks. Following the provided instructions and studying Python code, I gained insights into using this tool, including training my own models and adjusting parameters to achieve different visual effects.

After grasping the use of GAN algorithms, I initiated a generative process by feeding images into StyleGAN2-ADA-PyTorch. I edited the collected footage in Premiere, then employed FFmpeg to transform the video into a second sequence of images. These images were compressed and uploaded to Google Colaboratory to retrain my model.

My model is first trained using single videos. Subsequently, the result generated through Noise Loop is edited together. I use prefabricated masks in Photoshop to clip them into their respective positions for retraining.

Since the generated videos are initially square, to achieve a final rectangular composition, I performed secondary editing in Premiere. I evenly cropped the rectangle into two squares for subsequent stitching in the later stages.

Bronze Sumeru Mountain in Yonghe Palace, Beijing

"In the cosmos, Mount Sumeru stands tall and majestic, symbolizing steadfastness and immutability. It serves as the spiritual axis for all sentient beings, bearing the order and balance of the universe."
《Lugang World Mythology Dictionary》

Mount Meru draws inspiration from the concept of Mount Sumeru in Buddhist culture. In Buddhist cosmology, Mount Sumeru is regarded as the center of the world, symbolizing steadfastness, order, and spiritual presence.

Through my artwork, I aim to reinterpret Mount Sumeru using Generative Adversarial Networks, likening it to the universal forces that give structure to existence itself. The essence of my creation is to blend elements of human society, flora, fauna, and nature, constructing a visual and auditory experience adrift in the vast expanse of conscious thought. While we may be just a small island in the universe, it serves as a pivot supporting our spiritual cosmos.

Mosaic Virus, a work by Anna Ridler where ten thousand hand-drawn tulip images were used to produce visual effects under GAN algorithms, an attractive implementation that yielded captivating, transformative imagery.

By inviting a group of workers to stand in a fishpond, the water level is elevated. This performance for me has inspired contemplation and introspection about modes of expression, reflecting a sense of insignificance while simultaneously occupying a place within the entire system.

By combining the three generated components, I rendered the final island. I opted to introduce a sky and ocean to the composition, adding a spatial layer of environmental elements to the island theme. In the post-production editing phase, I incorporated audio elements including sounds from plants, animals, and human society. Additionally, in the foreground of my audio, I utilized the sound of ocean waves to provide a richer and more immersive experience.