Liao Jiaming: Too Good to Be True
28.11.2021
Liao is interested in human emotions, especially those evoked by social interactions and technological advancements. He shuttles between the physical and virtual world, manipulating images and being in this moment of time. His work has been shortlisted in the WMA Masters and the Hong Kong Human Rights Art Prize.
-
Special Measures(1) Any person entering JCCAC must wear a self-provided face mask and
sanitise their hands. A thermal detector has been installed at L1 Wai Chi Street
entrance, which is remotely monitored by the Centre security staff, who may request to
check again any individual’s body temperature if needed.
(2) Any person who fails to cooperate as requested, or displays fever (forehead temperature
above 37.5C), fatigue, cough, diarrhea, vomiting or other flu-like symptoms will be
refused entry or asked to leave JCCAC.
(3) All persons entering JCCAC must abide by the “Prevention and Control of
Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation” (Regulation) gazetted by the
Government, including but not limited to the extension of the “congregation restriction”
which prohibits groups of more than 4 persons to gather in public, with effective from 24
February 2021.
(4) Eating and drinking is not permitted.
(5) Any person who violates the law will bear legal responsibilities.
Overview
Artificial intelligence (AI) trained with profile pictures from gay dating apps generates the images that form the main content of this exhibition.
The distortions in the generated images are a reflection of social media’s twisted perception of and desire for bodily perfection.
The ‘collaboration’ between the artist and the machine not only questions what photography is in terms of image production, yet also simulates how online dating images are produced, stored, chosen, and reproduced.
This case study explores the notion of beauty and how it has shaped social behaviours and influenced our self-cognition. In addressing various aspects of online dating through Too Good to Be True, Liao hopes to foster dialogue on the complexity and fragility of interpersonal relationships.
