A.I. Grottoes

A.I. Grotto examines the relationship between AI-generated art, craftsman spirit, and ancient heritage sites. It seeks to initiate a dialog with the public, contemplating the coexistence of AI and the craftsman spirit in the future. Inspired by Dunhuang Cave Murals which have a history spanning thousands of years, AI-generated models learn and transforms contemporary news and photographs into the Dunhuang style, blending ancient art with modern content in a modernized documentation approach.

The Dunhuang Caves, located in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, China, are among the most renowned repositories of art in China. This magnificent artistic heritage comprises around 500 caves and over 4,000 wall paintings, spanning over 1,600 years of history, representing one of the most splendid painting traditions of ancient China.

These caves were first constructed in the 4th century AD and continued to be expanded and adorned until the 14th century, witnessing the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road and cultural exchanges. The rich artistic creations including murals, cave sculptures, and manuscripts display the magnificent achievements of Buddhist, Taoist, and secular art, reflecting cultural exchanges among China, India, Central Asia, and West Asia throughout history.

The Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national-level key cultural relic protection unit in China, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors and scholars to explore, study, and appreciate their unique artistic charm. These caves bear rich historical narratives and cultural connotations, constituting an indispensable part of China's cultural heritage.