Series description
Encyclopedia of Technology is a series of six CGI-integrated digital photographs that present my definition of the technological growth I’ve observed in the past few years as a Gen Z visual artist. Technological change and innovation has already improved our living standards, and will continue to do so. Whether it is pharmaceutics, information technology, logistics or some other aspect of our lives, these advancements transform the world around us, improving productivity, inclusivity and our overall well-being. Through my image-making process I want to encourage the viewer to discover and appreciate these astonishing breakthroughs in humanity. Some of these technological innovations have impacted traditional image-making techniques, which is reflected in my work through the use of mixed-media techniques; the images are captured in reality and then rendered and composited digitally using CGI techniques.
Biography
Bobby Cheung is a Shanghai-born New York-based interdisciplinary artist who engages with both visual and sound mediums of art. With color vision deficiency, he enjoys his creative process by going with the flow and exploring ideas beyond traditional practices. His contemporary works plays with the concept of integrating portraiture with new media techniques to convey stories of the current. Bobby's friends said that he has the attribute of Alice. Fun, curious, and stupid enough to drop into a rabbit hole.
Pharmaceutics
Research and development in medical technologies has enabled more complex clinical operations to be performed, with increased accuracy and a lower risk of injury to the patient. Medical robots have opened the door to the precise customisation of prosthetic legs, which means disabled patients now have a higher chance of walking again, thanks to cheaper and faster production methods.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Sensitivity
With the evolution of virtual reality, the world we inhabit is becoming seemingly limitless. Both sound and vision can be used to simulate our physical presence in a virtual environment, giving us the potential to archive and relive moments as close to reality as possible. In doing so we can break through the boundaries of time and space and reconnect with our departed loved ones.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Companionship
Artificial intelligence is not typically known for being ‘fuzzy’, but it can now deliver intimate and tender companionship. Digital pets can also be life assistants that monitor the body’s vital signs, and help to facilitate day-to-day activities. Just like a traditional pet, digital pets are proven to decrease the effects of anxiety and agitation, but with less cost and effort needed to keep them.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Logistics
Improvements in networking and transportation create more efficient systems with a smarter co-ordination of resources. We can numerically measure productivity, accurately estimate delivery periods and robots can communicate and navigate each other as they calculate optimal delivery routes. With the growing use of drones, the subsequent delivery is executed within a shorter, guaranteed timespan.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Communication
The power of today’s communication and information technology platforms allow us to overcome physical distance and interact with information around the globe within seconds. The development of the internet and the proliferation of digital screens means we can see at a glance what is happening worldwide with minimal effort. This makes learning about other cultures easier than it has ever been before, and gradually, as information barriers are torn down, we can become closer to one another.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards
Energy
Net zero emissions are no longer a dream. With a raised awareness of global warming, sustainable energy resources have become a priority for many countries, with more and more of the landscape covered with solar panels and wind turbines. The apparent transition of companies and households to a greener lifestyle has resulted in a progressive decrease in our overall energy consumption.
© Bobby Cheung, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student competition, In a Changing World, 2023 Sony World Photography Awards