Platform: Betty Leung

Existing on the thin line between algorithmic structure and intuitive abstraction, Leung’s work transcends national and cultural borders. Her artistic process consists of using a style transfer AI tool to combine two separate images that reflect her identity and background, allowing the algorithm to generate a hybrid third image. This allows Leung to give the imagery new narratives pulling the viewer in with elaborate and intricate compositions that merely whisper the original stories. Intertwining her own storyline into the narrative, Leung stitches over the image, bringing a human touch back into the generative process. The viewer is thus confronted with the result of a contrasting fusion of digital machinery and elements of classical embroidery representative of the garment industry. When speaking of her work, Leung comments, “Some people have said they find it frustrating that they can’t look at a piece and know all the different layers to the work, that some part of the work is inaccessible, but to me that’s the point of the work - it’s the feeling of uncertainty that comes with trying to navigate a new language, environment or culture.” 

The sculptural work presented is made in a similar collaboration between technology and Betty’s own handwork. Made of fabric, the pieces adopt a fluidity of form that allows them to seamlessly coalesce into any environment. For this presentation, Leung has invited Sian Fan, a multi-disciplinary artist, to give life to Interpreter XVII and spotlight the movement that characterises these pieces. Heavily involved in the post-production of the performance video, Leung had decided to further highlight this amalgamation of digital and human by including glitches that would occur in the editing software.