Shangyang Yu 余上扬

Surface is a series of image installations and photography projects. During the creation process, I tried to use Metahuman technology to generate a high-precision digital version of myself based on my 3D scanning model, In order to simulate reality, the skin of the digital body has a series of computer-generated scars that do not exist on my real body.

The outcome of this project consists of two parts. For the first part, I documented such a virtual scar as a simulacra and the scars on my real body and display it together to show the blurring of the boundary between reality and virtuality under the hyper-real atmosphere created by digital technology. At the same time, I also tried to print these virtual scars on silk under a gigantic size to make a series of image installations, so as to reproduce my observation experience in the game engine in the real space, and also hints at the current substitution of individual digital avatars to our embodiment.

Selfie# is a series of experimental 3D video works, records the process of shuttling on the surface of the digital 3D model of myself generated by game engine. Model penetration, this kind of error that usually needs to be avoided in virtual film production, has become a way to show the essence of these digital simulacra in my opinion. Through this kind of weird selfie, I try to “break through” these hyper-real simulacra created by digital technology.

Trio is an interactive sound installation which I construct a Turing test scenario with my future self.

WARNING: this video contains flashing lights which may not be suitable for photosensitive epilepsy.

'void setup( )' is an audio-visual live performance/audio-visual Moving Image work using real-time programming, focusing on the relationship between individual digital avatars and our real existence in the context of information technology development.

Through the digital reconstruction of my own body by 3D scanning technology and the construction of a series of algorithmic scenes, I examine the current digital situation we are facing, and reflect the relationship between our individual identity in the virtual space and the real world.

Message Drone No.1 is a multi-channel spatial sound installation/sonic experience. I sampled a series of message notification sounds in my mobile phone, tablet and other electronic devices. and slows down all these notification sounds by 100 times. Through program control, the processed sounds will play continuously and randomly from different channel speaks, forming a massive drone of messages.

Through this project, I reproduces the information overload situation we face in our daily life under the development of information and communication technologies. At the same time, through slowed down and listening to these message notification sounds, the act itself constitutes a resistance to the culture of speed in the accelerate society.

2023, Echoes of the Abyss

Medium: HD Live Generative Image, Stereo Sound, Projection, Laser, Synthesisers

Echoes of the Abyss is an interdisciplinary audio-visual performance that immerses the audience in the enchanting underwater soundscape, using an open-source audio live stream captured by hydrophones at a deep-sea cabled observatory. Through the transformative power of artificial intelligence, the project reveals the hidden sounds and unseen images from the ocean depths, inviting the audience to perceive the world through the lens of sound. By blending improvisational techniques in music, coding, and visual art, we hope to transcend performance boundaries. The project aims to cultivate appreciation for the intricate sonic landscapes of the oceans and raise awareness about the need to protect aquatic life from noise pollution and other human-induced threats. Through reflection and advocacy, Echoes of the Abyss seeks to inspire responsible stewardship and preservation of our fragile underwater ecosystems.

Project Credit

Concept: Cainy Yiru Yan, Bryan Yueshen Wu, Chang Meng, Shangyang Yu,

Sound performers: Bryan Yueshen Wu, Shangyang Yu

Visual performers: Cainy Yiru Yan, Chang Meng

2023, Aberration,

Medium: VR Game

Climate change accelerates the aberration process for non-humans. As the unstoppable creating process, it will continually produce more adaptive aberration to resilient this world. We create an aberration world through digital technology, generating an immersive experience for audiences to explore the abnormal world. All efforts aim to call for attention and action on climate change issues.

Project Credit

Concept: Changming Sun, Jiaqi Shi, Wen Shi, Sijia Chang, Shangyang Yu, Chang Meng

Screenwriter: Jiaqi Shi, Sijia Chang

Visual Designer: Changming Sun, Wen Shi

Sound Designer: Shangyang Yu, Chang Meng