About
AETHERIA
Video Installation | 3D art
Tools: Touch Designer, UE5
Brief Synopsis
Aetheria, inspired by Aldous Huxley's dystopian novel “Brave New World,” and the current evolving Transhumanist technologies, visually constructs a socially stratified dystopian world. Through 3 distinct layers distinguished by technology access—Lower, Upper, and Unknown, explores the potential consequences of extreme Transhumanism on society, identity, and autonomy.
Utilizing UE5 for 3D modeling video and Touch Designer for an interactive video installation, Aetheria questions the societal implications of evolving transhumanist technologies.
The Unknown World
(Floor 1)
Upper World Level
(Floor 0)
Lower World Level
(Floor -1)
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Aetheria，video，3’17”
Inspirations from Brave New World, a dystopian novel by Aldous Huxley.
Brave New World is a dystopian pessimistic world that depicts a hierarchical society deprived of its freedom by extreme technology and social control. I think some views from the book have inspired me to think about various existing technologies, especially some "extreme" Transhumance technologies like genetic modification and brain-computer interface. When people from part of the society cannot access to these technologies, I wonder of the future will mirror the divisions depicted in the book.
Will the world be divided into different levels with huge trenches preventing people from crossing and sharing？
Will unequal access to transformative technologies create deep social divides?
Will the world be divided into different levels with huge trenches preventing people from crossing and sharing？
Will unequal access to transformative technologies create deep social divides?
- Will the world be divided into different levels with huge trenches preventing people from crossing and sharing？
- Will unequal access to transformative technologies create deep social divides?
- What will be the consequence?
Research 1 - Transhumanism History
Transhumanism is the belief that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology (Oxford Dictionary, 2017).
Artificial Intelligence and Automation Rising in Economics
Main tech companies shifting in skill sets towards AI integration leading to job opportunity decline due to automation. High-tech talents are gaining higher salaries. These shift may potentially result in economic challenges end up widening social distance. This is because those with access to high-tech skills are increasingly connected, while those in traditional jobs may have less access and less economic foundation, end in a growing divide in opportunities and income.
Tech-driven competition for companies emphasizing leadership with technical expertise, and incorporating advanced technologies into business strategy. This will result in faster innovation, heavy reliance on technologies, and ultimately the pursuit of extreme human enhancement by the nature of competition.
Based on research into current and future Transhumanism technologies (mostly their uses are not essential for average people) especially those related to body modification, are largely inaccessible to the average person both financially or opportunistically.
Based on research into current and future Transhumanism technologies (mostly their uses are not essential for average people) especially those related to body modification, are largely inaccessible to the average person both financially or opportunistically.
Based on research into current and future Transhumanism technologies (mostly their uses are not essential for average people) especially those related to body modification, are largely inaccessible to the average person both financially or opportunistically.
Human limitations can be Improved through Transhumanism technology. However, these technologies face ethics issues and challenges.
Yet, based on prior research, these challenges won't be resolved any time soon, as individuals tend to prioritize personal development over societal progress.
The use of Transhumanism technology in society require break the current way of being. Therefore, I want to create a fictional world to discuss the consequence. A world divided into different levels.
In this fictional world of three levels connected with a conveyor elevator. Each Level represents the negative consequences of Transhumanism technology:
The central theme of the installation explores the fate of humanity in the future: will we transcend our natural state, or will we maintain the original human form and cherish its intrinsic value? It questions the future direction of mankind in the ever-widening technological divide, and through visual art, it provokes deep thoughts about the relationship between technological progress and the nature of human nature.
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