10 Questions with Weizhi Cao

Weizhi Cao, a Chinese artist, has made a name for himself in digital art, specializing in AI-generated content (AIGC). By merging traditional techniques with cutting-edge AI technology, he creates a unique artistic style that has gained international recognition. His works have been showcased in various exhibitions and have won multiple awards in international art competitions and film festivals. In addition, Weizhi Cao has developed a significant following on Chinese social media platforms, establishing himself as a pioneer in the digital art field. Committed to advancing the intersection of technology and art, he sets new standards for contemporary artistic creation.

@williamccao

ARTIST STATEMENT

Weizhi Cao's artworks vividly critique the consequences of industrialization on nature, using surrealism to evoke thought and reflection. In one piece, an elephant precariously walks a steel wire amidst pollution and garbage, symbolizing the instability caused by human progress. Another shows a turtle in a ruined children's playground, highlighting the loss of natural habitats and the destructive impact of human development. A third portrays an octopus on the Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing the alienation of wildlife in a rapidly industrialized world. A giraffe on a decaying road beneath the Eiffel Tower captures the loss of dignity and survival space in the wake of human encroachment. Finally, camels trekking through a desert filled with abandoned car tires represent the burden of past human actions, forcing animals to carry the weight of our negligence. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on how our modern world, in its pursuit of progress, has often sacrificed the very ecosystems that sustain life, leaving a powerful critique of our environmental impact.

INTERVIEW

Can you share your journey as an artist? What initially drew you to digital art, and what training shaped your unique approach to AI-generated content?

Since childhood, I have been deeply fascinated by the diversity and expressive power of art. When artificial intelligence opened up a whole new world of creation, I realized that Digital Art (AIGC) as a creative medium could make artistic expression more diverse. It not only amplifies human creativity but also injects unprecedented possibilities into the artistic process.
The turning point for me to get involved in digital art came when I discovered AI tools like MidJourney and Stable Diffusion. Initially, these tools were used to help visualize the ideas in my mind, but as I delved deeper, I realized that AI is not just a tool; it is a powerful collaborator in the artistic process. It not only amplifies human creativity but also brings new, unprecedented possibilities to art creation. Through my creative process, AI's involvement has allowed me to break traditional artistic boundaries and create works that transcend reality. AI technology provides me with a richer creative language, enabling me to express emotions and thoughts more deeply.
Every piece I generate not only pushes the boundaries of my creative process but also deepens my reflection on the relationship between art, technology, reality, and the virtual. Through continuous experimentation and innovation, my work gradually integrates more thoughtful elements. I believe that AIGC, as a brand-new form of art, is showcasing the infinite possibilities of artistic creation in the digital age.

As you mention in your statement, you blend traditional artistic techniques with cutting-edge AI technology. What inspired this fusion, and how do you think it contributes to your distinct artistic style?

The fusion of traditional artistic techniques with cutting-edge AI technology stems from my understanding of the ever-evolving nature of art and my passion for innovation. Traditional artistic techniques have deep historical roots, and they possess unparalleled power in expressing emotions, shaping visual language, and telling stories. The advent of AI technology has introduced entirely new possibilities for artistic creation. It not only helps me break through the limitations of physical media but also expands my creative boundaries, allowing me to explore forms of expression that traditional art could not easily achieve.
The inspiration for this fusion comes from a multidimensional reflection on art. I believe that art should be a constantly evolving form of expression, one that keeps pace with the times and reflects the changes in society and advancements in technology. As a result, I combine traditional artistic techniques with AI technology, reinterpreting classical artistic elements in a digital form and merging them with futuristic and surrealist art languages.

Why did you choose AI-generated content as your primary medium, and how do you see it evolving within the art world?

I chose AI-generated content (AIGC) as my primary medium because it has the potential to break the boundaries of traditional art while providing a richer and more flexible language for artistic expression. Through AI-generated content, I can quickly iterate and experiment with various ideas, merging different fields and styles to create works that combine surrealism, futurism, and technological aesthetics. This technology allows me to express complex emotions and imagination that are difficult to capture with traditional art, giving the works new life. I believe that in the future, AI technology will become even more intelligent and personalized, giving creators greater control and autonomy and enabling deeper emotional expression and more complex visual storytelling.

Your work often critiques the consequences of industrialization on nature. What led you to focus on this theme, and how do you translate these concerns into visual narratives?

The reason I chose to focus on the impact of industrialization on nature is due to my deep concern about the tension between human activity and the natural environment. The environmental issues brought about by modern industrialization, such as overconsumption of resources, ecosystem destruction, and climate change, are affecting the sustainable development of the world. Through my artistic creations, I aim to provoke viewers to reflect on these problems.
In my visual storytelling, I use AI technology to create surreal and futuristic images, blending natural elements with industrial symbols. The contrast between these elements conveys a metaphor for the destruction of nature. At the same time, I employ mist-like haziness and grayish tones to emphasize the erosion of pristine environments by industrialization, creating a visual tension that is both beautiful and unsettling.
Through these works, I hope to inspire environmental awareness and explore the possibility of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new piece, from conceptualization to the final artwork?

My creative process involves several key stages, from conceptualization to the final artwork, each step filled with exploration and experimentation.

Conceptualization

The starting point of creation usually stems from a theme or idea. I delve into the emotions, social significance, or philosophical implications behind it. Inspiration often comes from reading, observing daily life, historical events, or imagining future worlds. I prefer selecting themes rich in storytelling and symbolism, such as time, memory, and the relationship between humans and nature. I incorporate metaphors or symbolic elements into the artwork to add depth and multiple layers of meaning.

Visual Ideation

At this stage, I transform ideas into visual sketches or written descriptions. I pay special attention to the emotional atmosphere and structural composition of the image, refining key elements like layout, tone, and lighting through repeated iteration.

Choice of Technical Tools

While generating the initial image, I adjust prompts multiple times, experimenting with different styles and elements to capture the desired visual effect. This stage is full of surprises and creative collisions that bring fresh perspectives.

Fine-Tuning and Narrative Enhancement

After generating the initial image, I make detailed modifications and enhancements, refining aspects such as lighting, texture, and color nuances. This process adds depth and complexity to the visual narrative, allowing the story to unfold more richly within the piece.

Reflection and Final Presentation

Before completing the artwork, I carefully evaluate its emotional impact and artistic integrity, ensuring it resonates with viewers. The finished piece is not only a visual display but also a fusion of concept and emotion.
The entire process is a dialogue between art and technology, a journey of continuous iteration and refinement. I believeeach work represents a convergence of thought and perception, reflecting my unique understanding of the world.

The surreal elements in your work evoke powerful emotions and reflections. What role does surrealism play in your storytelling, and how do you use it to communicate your message?

In my work, surrealism plays a very important role; it is not only a visual expression tool but also a bridge for conveying emotions and ideas. The essence of surrealism lies in breaking the boundaries of reality, combining impossible scenes and imagery to create a world that is both familiar and strange. This sense of conflict and unease is precisely what I use to evoke emotional reactions and provoke thought in the viewer.
Through surrealism, I am able to convey complex emotions and philosophical issues that traditional forms of art may not be able to express effectively. For example, the destruction of nature by industrialization, the relationship between humans and technology, or reflections on time and memory. I depict these themes as distorted, dreamlike scenes or combine everyday elements with unreal ones to highlight their deeper meanings. This blurring of the line between reality and the unreal allows viewers to reassess the world they are familiar with from different perspectives.
On a visual level, I convey these ideas by using illogical combinations, otherworldly spaces, and visual shocks. These surreal elements not only break the viewers' expectations but also encourage them to explore the deeper meanings hidden within.
Overall, surrealism helps me express emotions and concepts that cannot be directly described with rational language. It makes the artwork not only a visual enjoyment but also a profound impact on the soul and the mind.

Your pieces often depict animals in industrialized or damaged environments. How do you choose your subjects, and what do they represent within your broader themes?

In my work, animals often appear in industrialized or damaged environments, which is my way of conveying concern for nature and ecosystems through visual language. I choose animals as subjects because they are an integral part of nature, and their state of existence reflects, to some extent, the health of the entire ecosystem.
Placing animals in industrialized or damaged environments creates a contrast, especially when juxtaposing natural creatures with scenes of industrial pollution. This directly portrays the erosion of the environment by industrialization and the threats to life. The anxiety and confusion of animals in these environments symbolize the habitats and spaces they have lost in the process of modernization, and they represent the cost of neglecting ecological balance in society's pursuit of progress.
The plight of animals in an industrialized world reflects my pursuit and reflection on the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. These animals in damaged environments are not merely symbols of tragedy; they are carriers that provoke the audience to reflect on environmental protection and natural coexistence. Through these images, I hope to raise awareness of the impact of industrial development on life and nature and inspire a sense of responsibility for ecological preservation.

As a pioneer in AI-generated art with a strong social media presence, how do you balance artistic integrity with the demands of digital platforms and global audiences?

As a pioneer in AI art, artistic integrity is at the core of my creative process. Whether in traditional art or AI-generated art, I firmly believe that a work should stay true to the creator's original intent and ideas. I prefer to use my art to express my thoughts on issues such as society, technology, and nature rather than simply chasing visual spectacle or instant internet trends.
However, the demands of social platforms and audiences cannot be ignored. Digital platforms are interactive, with rapid feedback, and audience interests and needs change quickly. This greatly expands the reach and impact of a work. To continue growing in this environment, I make appropriate adjustments based on audience reactions and interactions, maintaining a connection with the audience while avoiding getting lost in superficial trends. I focus on the depth of the work during the creative process, guiding the audience to not only enjoy the visual impact but also to understand the deeper meanings behind the piece.
Overall, I believe that the relationship between digital art and social platforms is mutually beneficial and complementary.While maintaining artistic integrity, I strive to find a balance, not only preserving my creative philosophy but alsobuilding a meaningful interaction and resonance with the audience.

Looking ahead, what projects or collaborations are you most excited about? Are there new technologies, themes, or formats you hope to explore in the future?

Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation. I hope to continue expanding the boundaries of art in my future creations, constantly pushing the limits of both technology and themes to bring more diverse and impactful artistic experiences to the audience. Firstly, I aim to explore the intersection of AI and art further, especially in more complex themes and forms of expression. My plan is to use AI tools to explore deeper issues, with a focus on topics such as environmental protection, technological progress, and the future of humanity.
I am also excited about collaborating with creators or scientists from other fields, especially in the realms of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Through VR and AR technologies, I hope to create more immersive and interactive artistic experiences, allowing the audience not only to enjoy the visual aspect but also to participate in the creative process, enhancing the interactivity of the work and establishing a new artistic ecosystem.

How do you envision the role of AI in the future of art? What advice would you give to emerging artists interested in exploring this field?

I believe that AI's role in the future of art will become increasingly important and diversified. AI will not only serve as a tool for creation but could also evolve into a true "partner" in the artistic process. As AI technology continues to advance, future artists will be able to use AI to explore more complex and boundary-pushing forms of art. AI has the ability toconduct extensive creative experiments and iterations in a short amount of time, helping artists realize their ideas and bringing richer modes of expression to the art world.
The future application of AI in the arts will expand beyond visual arts and may extend into fields such as music, dance, literature, and more. AI can help artists engage in cross-disciplinary fusion, sparking new creativity and forms of expression.
For emerging artists interested in this field, my advice is: First, maintain curiosity about technology and an open mindset.AI is not a replacement for the creator but rather a tool that collaborates with the creator. It is crucial to understand and master how AI works and how it can be used for artistic creation. But more importantly, artists should focus on using their creativity to combine AI with the essence and ideas of art, creating unique artistic expressions.
Furthermore, I believe emerging artists should emphasize continuous experimentation and exploration and be brave enough to break through traditional frameworks. AI art creation is an ongoing process of iteration and innovation. Artists need to constantly reflect on their work, break existing expressive boundaries, and fully unleash AI's potential. Most importantly, artists should maintain their passion for art and sincerity in expression rather than solely pursuing flashy technical effects.
In summary, AI will play an increasingly important role in artistic creation. Future artists will not only need to understand AI technology but also integrate it into their creative process, exploring their own unique style and language.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.