#30 / The “Reality” You See Might Just Be an Illusion
Hello my friend! 👋
There’s been some major breakthroughs recently in AI generated images. With new tools and techniques, AI-generated content is getting so lifelike, it’s getting harder to tell real from fake. As the line between actual content and virtual images blurs, how do we define what’s real?
This reminds me of a true story. A few years back, a friend of mine posted a photo on social media from his company’s team dinner hosted by their boss. The photo showed everyone laughing and chatting around the table, except for the boss who was heads down, seemingly engrossed in his phone, and not smiling. I casually commented, “Looks like your boss isn’t much into it, still glued to his phone!” He replied, “No, he was actually picking out music for us on his phone. We all had a great time!”
The image I saw was just a snapshot of the real situation, not the “reality” itself, even though it was a real photo. Sharing this story is also a reminder to myself: when you see something, don’t rush to judge or comment. What you’re seeing might be far from the truth
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Here’re a few things I’d like to share with you today 🙂
Auckland Zoo on storytelling
Quantum physics and reading
Exploring the Diverse Nightlife of Asia with Netflix’s “Midnight Asia”
Thoughts on Artists and arts
Why I Chose Dall-E 3 Over Mid-Journey for AI Image Creation
Auckland Zoo on storytelling
Auckland Zoo excels at storytelling. Each habitat for the species is thoughtfully designed, providing a context that resonates with visitors. For instance, the spider exhibit within the Australian section. Rather than a typical display, they’ve used an old-style bookshelf. Nestled between two books, you’ll find the spider’s cozy home. It’s a clever approach to showcase smaller creatures, creating a tangible narrative that everyone can grasp. Auckland Zoo offers numerous such imaginative setups, serving as inspiration for creative professionals, including designers. Have you been to the zoo recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Quantum physics and reading
I feel that quantum physics can also apply to reading. Words act as a fixative that materialize the chaotic meanings, much like how the state of particles brims with possibilities. When you read the specific words, the multitude of possible meanings collapses into a single one. Understanding and not understanding are two diametrically opposed states, but most reading experiences actually reside in an indeterminate state of quasi-understanding.
Exploring the Diverse Nightlife of Asia with Netflix’s “Midnight Asia”
I’ve started watching the Netflix series “Midnight Asia,” where the first two episodes dive into the nocturnal heartbeat of two Asian metropolises–Tokyo and Seoul. Beyond the delectable cuisine and a variety of intriguing personalities, what stands out is the rich diversity that decades of commercial evolution and economic growth have nurtured in these cities.
The premiere episode of “Midnight Asia” weaves stories that include a former city council member who now runs a mobile drinking stand, an izakaya owner, and an inspiring 85-year-old grandmother who spins records as a DJ in a nightclub. Her story is particularly captivating, with many young patrons flocking to the club for her music. The show also shines a light on more unconventional communities, such as fetish bars.
One of the reasons I adore this series is its lack of moral judgment. It simply seeks to understand and appreciate the variety in lifestyles across different locales. Moreover, it reminds us that there are still many more fascinating places in the world waiting to be seen and discovered.
Thoughts on Artists and arts
Something interesting happened. I tweeted about attending a concert by Jonathan Lee and how I enjoyed it. Someone commented below, “Jonathan Lee is fickle in love, a complete playboy. What’s so good about his work?” This comment reveals two intriguing viewpoints:
Firstly, it sparks a debate on the relationship between an artist and their work. Art historian Heinrich Wölfflin once said, “There’s no ‘art’ as such; there are only artists.” He believed that artists and their art are inseparable, implying an artist’s character, morality, and perspective would inevitably reflect in their work–a viewpoint many would agree with.
Secondly, within the Chinese worldview, there’s an emphasis on the unity of heaven and humanity, and the Confucian principle of personal cultivation, family management, state governance, and world peace. This philosophy entails that public figures must exhibit moral perfection. There seems to be an unwritten societal rule: individuals must first meet these moral standards before their accomplishments in other fields can be acknowledged. If an artist engages in drug abuse, solicitation, or infidelity, their career might abruptly end. This phenomenon isn’t unique to China but is prevalent in many Asian cultures. For instance, in South Korea, the public also has a low tolerance for moral transgressions by celebrities.
From my perspective, while there’s indeed a connection between artists and their creations, the linkage primarily concerns creative genes and initial inspiration. Once a work is completed, it doesn’t directly relate to the artist anymore but connects with each audience member instead. Take Jonathan’s “Gui Mi Xin Qiao” as an example. After its creation, the interaction and memories it generates with listeners, and the feelings it evokes, are what truly matter. Overemphasizing the artist’s personal morals during this process can indeed hinder the enjoyment of their work.
In my opinion, understanding the artist is crucial when appreciating art, as art and the artist are inherently connected. However, it would be wise to set aside moral judgments initially, refrain from jumping to conclusions too quickly, and most importantly, not hastily label something as “bad” simply because the artist’s actions don’t align with one’s moral values.
Why I Chose Dall-E 3 Over Mid-Journey for AI Image Creation
Lately, I’ve been leaning more towards OpenAI’s Dall-E 3 for its speed and convenience over mid-journey, making it my go-to tool. I’ve decided to put my mid-journey on hold and cancel my membership. I’ve benefited from a particularly useful prompt I picked up from various sources, including Gumroad.
I’ve been using a prompt generator to experiment with different ideas and create prompts suitable for both Dall-E and mid-journey. However, I’m planning to concentrate on Dall-E moving forward, as it’s proven to be more efficient in generating the AI images I need.
Have a great one and see you soon!
**Bear Academy Newsletter@2023**
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