AI art: Bianca Tse creates Hong Kong images
Bianca Tse, a 43-year-old artist, is part of a growing trend of creatives incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their work. She recently displayed her photo titled “Breathing Room” at the Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong, showcasing the fusion of AI-generated fantasy and historical references.
The image features three Chinese men sitting atop a precarious tower of derelict flats, symbolizing the cramped living conditions in Hong Kong. Tse’s art often draws inspiration from her childhood memories and the history of the Kowloon Walled City, a densely populated enclave that once existed in the city.
While the Walled City was demolished in the 1990s, Tse uses AI to recreate scenes inspired by former residents’ memories, preserving a part of Hong Kong’s disappearing cultural and architectural heritage.
The Impact of AI on Art
The use of AI in art has sparked debate among artists, with concerns about exploitation and compensation. Despite these challenges, Tse acknowledges the benefits of AI tools like Midjourney in bringing her creative visions to life efficiently and cost-effectively.
By leveraging AI technology, Tse has been able to exhibit her work internationally, including at the Rencontres d’Arles exhibition in France. Her unique approach to depicting Hong Kong’s urban landscape, focusing on intricate textures and familiar human subjects, sets her apart from traditional portrayals of the city.
Tse’s art captures the juxtaposition of chaos and hope in everyday life, as seen in pieces like “Imaginary Friends,” inspired by her childhood experiences in temporary housing. Through her AI-generated artworks, she explores themes of poverty, resilience, and nostalgia.
Collaboration and Creativity
One notable collaboration in Tse’s portfolio is with photographer Greg Girard, where they recreated a “photo that got away” from his time documenting the Kowloon Walled City. Using AI to reconstruct the image of a Cathay Pacific flight attendant in the city’s gritty surroundings, Tse bridged the gap between reality and imagination.
Girard praised Tse’s respectful approach to collaboration, highlighting the authenticity and creativity she brought to the project. The outcome, while slightly disorienting, captured the essence of his memory and showcased the power of AI in art.
Tse’s innovative use of AI challenges conventional notions of artistry and demonstrates the unique possibilities that emerge from blending technology with creativity. Her work serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of art in the digital age.
