GIST Korea Culture Technology Institute Hosts Exhibition of Media Works Addressing Marine Issues

Ocean Machine 2021 installation scene at Ilgwang Beach. Photo by GIST

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] The research team at GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, President Kim Ki-seon) Korean Culture Technology Institute (Director Jeon Moon-gu), led by researcher Kim Anna, will present the video work "Ocean Machine," which addresses marine pollution issues, at the "2021 Sea Art Festival."

According to GIST on the 3rd, "Ocean Machine" combines the latest artificial intelligence technology with the story of the Dragon God Bride from traditional folklore to depict an invention that can solve the problem of marine microplastics.

The research team has been studying participatory interaction storytelling works using natural language generation AI since last year to raise public awareness of marine pollution, and this work was produced as an extension of that effort.

The AI outputs various descriptions of the invention's appearance and operation, and based on this, the research team visualized the invention called "Ocean Machine." The "Ocean Machine," a form combining marine life and machinery, forms a symbiotic relationship with the Dragon God Bride from Korean traditional folklore and removes marine plastics.

Since the "2021 Sea Art Festival" is held at Ilgwang Beach focusing on artworks and lighting, the media work "Ocean Machine" will be displayed as a large-scale projection mapping on the outer wall of the Haemaji Building next to Ilgwangcheon from 6 PM to 9 PM and can also be viewed on the media art wall at Busan Station Eurasia Platform.

Jeon Moon-gu, director of the Korean Culture Technology Institute, said, "This work is a media piece that well reflects real-world issues by combining AI IT technology, which our institute pursues, with themes from Korean traditional stories," adding, "It is very meaningful in that it explores solidarity and coexistence among humans, technology, and nature through virtual reality."

Meanwhile, the "2021 Sea Art Festival," co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Biennale Organization, features 36 artists from 13 countries presenting 22 works under the theme "Human and Non-Human: Assemblage" until November 14.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.