In November 2023, We successfully hosted The Grandeur of Chinese Literature: Irene Lee Ka Ming’s Majestic Art Extravaganza at the British Consulate in Hong Kong. The exhibition aimed to merge ancient Oracle Bone Script with cutting-edge AI technology, reviving traditional culture through modern expression. As a deep integration of culture and technology, the exhibition showcased how modern tools can reinterpret ancient symbols, offering a rich visual and cultural experience for audiences worldwide.

Irene Lee was the driving force behind this exhibition. Her passion for both culture and technology allowed her to successfully bring ancient culture into modernity. Oracle Bone Script, one of China’s oldest writing systems, was once used for divination and rituals, bearing profound cultural significance. Through AI technology, Lee breathed new life into these symbols, transforming them from historical artifacts into dynamic digital art pieces, enabling viewers to rediscover their deep cultural meanings.

We employed advanced artificial intelligence technology to transform Oracle Bone Script into modern digital artworks. Using machine learning and image processing techniques, these ancient characters evolved from static symbols into dynamic visual images, blending cultural symbolism with modern technology. AI played a crucial role in analyzing the structure and meaning of the Oracle Bone Script, giving these symbols new life in a contemporary context.

One of the exhibition's standout features was its deep dialogue between culture and technology. By embedding Oracle Bone Script into a modern technological framework, we demonstrated how technology can be a tool for cultural innovation. The works allowed ancient symbols to transcend their historical roots, becoming part of modern art and entering the public consciousness in a new and captivating way.

Irene Lee’s creative process was heavily influenced by Xin-Study, a branch of Confucianism that emphasizes the integration of internal reflection and external action. Xin-Study promotes “the unity of knowledge and action,” calling on individuals to transform internal thoughts into tangible actions. In this exhibition, Lee combined the philosophical elements of Xin-Study with generative AI technology, bringing ancient cultural symbols into the modern world. Through the fusion of cultural introspection and technological innovation, her work illustrates how ancient wisdom continues to flourish in contemporary society, providing viewers with profound philosophical insights.

One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition was The Guardians Behind Family Governance: The Legend of Sacred Beasts, inspired by the ancient Chinese tale "The Lion Rolling a Rusty Ball." In this story, the lion’s potential threat is neutralized by a child’s rusty toy ball, symbolizing family harmony and crisis resolution. AI-enhanced art in this piece reflected a progression from surface-level imagery to deeper familial dynamics, exploring how latent forces within a family can resolve conflict and restore balance. 

 Another notable piece in the exhibition was The Dynasty of Ridge Beasts, inspired by the ten sacred beasts adorning the roof of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City. These mythical creatures symbolize both imperial authority and divine protection. Through AI, these sacred beasts were reimagined from their original architectural depictions to more abstract and imaginative forms, showcasing the infinite creativity of ancient artisans while transforming these symbols into vibrant digital art through modern technology.

The exhibition attracted significant attention from the art, technology, and academic communities. Attendees remarked that it prompted them to reconsider the interaction between traditional culture and modern technology, leaving them excited about future possibilities for cultural innovation. Media outlets also covered the exhibition, highlighting its potential for cross-cultural and technological fusion and recognizing Irene Lee’s contributions to cultural innovation. 

Following the success of this exhibition, we plan to bring this innovative concept to Canada and expand it globally. By collaborating with cultural institutions and technology companies, we aim to explore more opportunities for merging culture and technology, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. This fusion project will become part of the global cultural innovation movement, engaging audiences through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to participate in this creative process.

Furthermore, we intend to extend this model to other countries and regions, promoting cross-cultural artistic collaborations and ensuring the widespread recognition of ancient cultural symbols. We believe that cultural innovation is not only about the fusion of technology but also a bridge for understanding and cooperation, fostering deeper global cultural exchanges and inspiring future creative projects.