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27 Jun 2026
42m

The case for making art in a crisis | Yiyun Kang | Your Body on Tech

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TED Talks Daily

The intersection of art and technology serves as a vital bridge for translating complex, invisible global crises into tangible human experiences. Mixed media artist Yiyun Kang utilizes data, lasers, and AI to visualize "wicked problems" like climate change and the opaque logic of artificial intelligence. By transforming abstract satellite data regarding freshwater loss into interactive landscapes, or visualizing the neural architecture of AI models, art restores the human capacity to care and comprehend. These immersive installations demystify the "black box" of modern technology, shifting the focus from passive consumption to active engagement. Rather than viewing machines as alienating forces, this approach encourages a symbiotic relationship where human creativity and curiosity remain central. Ultimately, reclaiming human agency requires moving beyond mere data processing to foster a deep, visceral connection with the systems shaping the future.

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