Shanshui in the Anthropocene: A Visual Study with Artificial Intelligence

This paper presents a visual study and AI-driven experiment that explores the concept of “Shanshui in the Anthropocene,” blending Eastern aesthetics with AI to address pressing ecological concerns. Utilizing insights from the evolving media and contemporary art practices of shanshui, we merge the traditional ethos of shanshui with the pressing realities of the Anthropocene, which led to (1) a custom AI synthesizer designed to capture the ecological impact of human activities and (2) an AI workflow and pipeline that transform serene shanshui to the depiction of dystopian wasteland. We apply them to shanshui masterpieces and produce visual experiences juxtaposing serene nature alongside their dystopian counterparts through still images and videos. The study establishes shanshui as a critical framework for ecological perception; we envision the work to be used in participatory workshops and interactive art to reflect on the environmental crisis and advocate for sustainable coexistence.