The Splendor of Plainness: A Transformation of the Process of Qi as Expressed in the Generative Artwork UKON

The authors thoroughly examine the creative process behind UKON, which uses computer simulation to reinterpret the Song Dynasty’s aesthetic of “plainness.” By treating random numbers as representations of Qi, the artwork undergoes a transformation that both complicates and simplifies its visual elements. This approach not only transcends simple visual depiction but also reflects a profound exploration of “the extreme splendor of plainness,” capturing its essence in a contemporary form. The work showcases the artist’s deep understanding of traditional aesthetics and illustrates how modern technology can reinvent these concepts as a new visual language.