MONSTER-MAKING AS A MIRROR: REFLECTING OURSELVES AND THE FUTURE

MFA THESIS

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch in which humans have become a dominant force shaping the Earth’s systems and processes. The human action of creating monsters has been historically significant throughout the Anthropocene. We have seen thousands of monsters from different cultures in myths, literature, artifacts, paintings, and other art forms. Monsters often have ugly and deformed appearances and hold hostilities towards human beings, being depicted as terrifying, dangerous, and intense creatures. The creation of monsters can be interpreted as a desire to explore the natural environment beyond, a romantic rationalization of the fear of the unknown. Monsters represent many things. For humans, monsters are an exploration of their own existence. For nature, monsters represent the irreversible ecological crisis caused by human impact. For art and design, monsters are a rebellion that challenge prevailing cultural narratives and disrupt hierarchies. Reflecting on those monsters we created in the Anthropocene, how does it help us gain insight into our humanity and what it means to be human? How can making monsters help us better understand nature? How do monsters challenge the current art design culture and contribute to the future development of art and design? After all, how does monster creation contribute to our understanding of our connections with each other, nature, and the culture of art and design?

I decided to use monster as a probe to initiate conceptual exploration of people’s deeper thoughts, meanwhile, use AI as a method to translate them into AI-generated monsters. The goal is to explore a new possibility using generative AI as a tool to reflect on ourselves.

After several rounds of prompts and research, the final outcome is an experimental website, representing a narrative remixing and a celebration of our own monsters.
In conclusion, the relationship between monsters and technology in the digital age is a complex and ever-evolving one. As we navigate this new frontier, it's essential to recognize how our monsters serve as mirrors, reflecting our fears, hopes, and the challenges we face in an increasingly technology-driven world. By understanding the role of monsters in our collective imagination, we can better prepare ourselves for the uncertainties and possibilities that lie ahead. Will AI continue to serve as a protective force, or will it unleash new forms of fear? The answer lies in how we choose to shape and interact with this powerful technology.

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