The misuse of concepts such as machine learning and artificial intelligence referring to characteristics of machines and systems impacts the ways we emotionally relate to these non-human entities. This paper presents the artist's explorations in the design of a multimedia device — “The Chinse Room” (2023-2024) inviting the audience to meditate on the emotional projections and psychological relationships that arise between humans and non-human entities. The artist explores how these emotional projections often transcend the actual characteristics of the machines, emanating instead from the deep-seated expectations and human ego. Interacting with the device, the audience is influenced to think and feel deeply about the emotions that emerge from the human self during human-computer interaction, and ultimately revealing the complex nature of this symbiotic relationship.

This paper explores the technoetic aesthetics of ‘moistmedia’ in the context of contemporary bio-art as pertinent media for prompting contemplation on the environmental ramifications of meat consumption and the potential role of lab-produced meat as a sustainable solution. The artist, a 3rd-year undergraduate student from Roy Ascott Advanced Program in Technoetic Arts in Shanghai, initiates a thought-provoking exploration by cultivating lab mice cells in Petri dishes in collaboration with a team of scientists of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Basic Medical Sciences, as part of a performance in which he simulated the sampling of his bone marrow, subsequently packing the mice cultivated cells like meat products, symbolizing the intimate connection between humans and the animals we consume. The culmination of this artistic endeavor presents these cells’ culture as a tangible product on supermarket shelves, challenging societal norms. This experience aims to elicit an emotional response, fostering a profound understanding of the shared impact of meat consumption among all animal species. By integrating lab procedures and technology, and bio art strategies, this exploration invites the audience to confront the ethical and ecological dimensions of their dietary choices. The synthesis of science, art, and public engagement positions this project as a catalyst for discussions surrounding the urgency of sustainable alternatives, such as lab-grown meat, in mitigating the environmental consequences of traditional meat production.

We present and discuss aspects of conceptual aspects of a proposal for an XR immersive installation “Social Echoes" that is intended to offer a multi-dimensional exploration of the complexities inherent in the intersection of technology, social connection, susceptibility, and isolation. "Social Echoes" is a proposal framed as an outcome of a transformative field trip to Nanxun Ancient City in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, led by Professor Clarissa Ribeiro and lecturer Huang Wei, along with the diligent support of studio assistant Eleanor Zhang during which 3D scans of meaningful local architectural and cultural heritage were produced by the author. The installation invites participants to navigate the intricate web of contemporary social dynamics, acknowledging the paradox of feeling connected yet isolated in shared digital spaces. The architecture of the virtual space of "Social Echoes" reflects Manuel Castell's suggestion that the Network Society is characterized by flexible, decentralized structures. This is reflected in the ways individuals and communities engage with technology, creating dynamic and adaptive social structures. Inviting to navigate rooms in real places 3D scans of the Nanxun Ancient City in Huzhou City stand as virtual spaces beyond socialization online, the elements relate to connectedness and isolation. The installation explores how the flexibility of digital networks impacts the fluidity of social connections and the emergence of new forms of isolation that impact real spaces in which we use to socialize and feel connected.

This artist talk explores the conceptual underpinnings of "Broken Selves," a multimedia installation that draws inspiration from Barbara Kruger's seminal work, "You Are Not Yourself." Informed by Kruger's influential exploration of identity, consumerism, and feminism through bold text and imagery, the installation seeks to reimagine and reclaim personal narratives within the context of contemporary societal shifts. "Broken Selves" manifests as a dynamic fusion of visual and auditory elements, intertwining the shattered aesthetics reminiscent of Kruger's disruptive style with real-time video capture and audio reactions. The installation invites participants to experience the fragmentation of conventional narratives, mirroring the societal transformations that have occurred since Kruger's pioneering work in the 1980s. Utilizing p5.js, the interactive artwork dynamically responds to external stimuli, such as the viewer's presence and vocal expressions. The shards of broken glass, symbolizing shattered conventions, move in tandem with audio input, creating an immersive and responsive environment. The incorporation of Barbara Kruger's favored typography and aesthetics pays homage to her legacy while fostering a contemporary dialogue on identity, consumerism, and the reclamation of personal narratives."Broken Selves" aims to engage viewers in a thought-provoking exploration of how visual and auditory elements can intersect to challenge established narratives and empower individuals to redefine their own stories. In this multimedia installation, the echoes of Barbara Kruger's 'You Are Not Yourself' resonate, inspiring a dynamic and immersive experience that invites participants to reconsider and reclaim their narratives in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary culture.

This paper presents and discusses the plot for a short digital video project inspired by the artistic works of Patrick Doan, seamlessly blending humanist explorations with transhumanist contexts. The project intricately weaves together visual and philosophical motifs rooted in cyberpunk culture, creating a rich tapestry of imagery that transcends traditional boundaries. As the artist's connection with cyberpunk deepens, a profound realization unfolds – the exploration of visions depicting an unknowable future that could inevitably become an integral part of our lives. The paper navigates through the creative process, the incorporation of cyberpunk aesthetics, and the philosophical underpinnings that drive this unique convergence of art and futurism. Through this exploration, the project not only pays homage to Patrick Doan's influence but also propels the audience into a thought-provoking contemplation of the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. In the plot for "Synthetic Reverie” in the not-so-distant future, where the boundaries between humanity and technology have blurred, Mei, a Chinese Gen Z girl, finds herself navigating a cityscape pulsating with neon lights and cybernetic augmentations. Mei is an ordinary individual in an extraordinary world, grappling with the juxtaposition of the organic and the synthetic.

"Barcode Symphony" is an artwork that challenges contemporary consumerism placing a critique of our daily transactions and the commodification of goods. The artist collects everyday invoices, and transforms the mundane barcode numbers into an auditory experience using p5js. This data-sonification process invites the audience to engage with the underlying rhythms and melodies hidden within the seemingly mundane aspects of consumer culture. "Barcode Symphony" prompts contemplation on the impact of consumerism on our lives, encouraging a deeper reflection on the significance of each transaction and its collective resonance in our society. Through the fusion of technology, data, and artistic expression, the artwork challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with consumption in the modern world. As we navigate the intricate symphony of consumerism in the 21st century, this paper engages with Zygmunt Bauman's insights on its contemporary dynamics, providing a creative lens through which to examine and critique the modern consumerist experience.

This artist talk invites to explore the "Empowerment of Beauty" through a series of short narratives, delving into the intricate connection between women and their instrumental role in nurturing and shaping the world. Influenced by the artistic legacy of Eva Hesse, a German-born American sculptor renowned for her inventive use of simple materials to evoke organic forms, the accompanying video embraces her inspiration. The aesthetic narrative unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of natural landscapes in Shanghai, China, as a tribute to the city's rich cultural tapestry. The series of short narratives weave together a visual and narrative tapestry, capturing the essence of the feminine as a potent force in championing protection, inclusion, and care. The video, set amidst the captivating landscapes of Shanghai, serves as a backdrop to showcase the profound impact of beauty in empowering women. In celebrating this connection, the paper illuminates the pivotal role women play in fostering a more compassionate and inclusive world, utilizing both the artistic influence of Hesse and the natural splendor of Shanghai to enhance the narrative.

This artist talk explores the conceptual and technical dimensions of "Nostalgia-Updated: Videogame-Phone-Call," an interactive installation designed to navigate the complex relationship between older individuals and contemporary technology and pop culture. Drawing inspiration from Joseph F. Coughlin's "The Longevity Economy" and Wendy A. Rogers and Arthur D. Fisk's "Designing for Older Adults," the installation aims to provide a transformative and inclusive experience for users of all ages within the context of the longevity economy. At its core, the installation features a comfortable chair facing a television, accompanied by a specially crafted device resembling a classic telephone. Leveraging principles from "Designing for Older Adults," this device serves as a tangible interface for users to access a tablet, using the number keys reminiscent of a vintage telephone keypad as digital keys to navigate and play classic video games such as Atari's Pac-Man. The technical underpinning integrates p5.js, a JavaScript library, and a wireless version of the classic ATARI joystick integrated into the telephone in the design of the interface, to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience. By intertwining elements of nostalgia, modern technology, and design principles tailored for older adults, Nostalgia-Updated: Videogame-Phone-Call not only entertains but also fosters meaningful connections between generations. The installation stands as a testament to the potential of interactive media art in shaping a more connected and vibrant society within the dynamic landscape of the longevity economy.