ART on THE MART celebrates its 5th anniversary with a new commission by Dr. Yiyun Kang, esteemed artist in the field of projection mapping and immersive art. The work, titled Only in the Dark, responds to humanity’s environmental crisis and the unfathomable power and intelligence of AI technologies.

We are entering a new dark age. All the environmental crises prove that nature would no longer tolerate humanity's arrogant exploitation. Evolving AI technologies are unfathomable. Machines might win human intelligence in the near future. Throughout our evolution, we have paradoxically alienated ourselves from our home planet Earth, and we are alienated from the technologies we have created.

How can we find a way to get out of this darkness? We see the light only in the dark. The light shines even brighter in the deep darkness. We seem to find a way out in the worst of times. My work Only in the Dark tries to share a message that we can collectively think about for our inclusive future. ​

In the heart of downtown Chicago, my project, "Only in the Dark," emerges as a beacon of reflection on our collective journey through the current challenges humanity faces. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Mart building in Chicago, the project unfolds in three captivating scenes. The first witnesses the structure's transformation, symbolizing the dawn of a new era emerging from darkness. The second envisions a harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity through a biophilic building, employing AI to explore the evolved relationship between humans, nature, and technology. Finally, the third scene portrays a mesmerizing human dance in water, illuminating hope amid the prevailing darkness. This multidimensional narrative, blending digital animation, real footage, AI-generated imagery, and a carefully crafted soundscape, aims to engage the public in profound contemplation, resonating with the Mart's history of environmental stewardship. ​

© 2023 Experience Design Lab (XD Lab), Prof. Yiyun Kang