- MGM Debuts the Solo Exhibition of Cai Guo-Qiang’s AI model cAI™ at Barra.
- The exhibition invites public participation to give new connotation and functionality to Barra district.
Renowned contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang has partnered with MGM to launch the global debut of his AI model, cAI™, with the solo exhibition “cAI™: Soul Scan”. The ground-breaking showcase is being held at Navy Yard No.1 in Macau’s historic Barra district and runs until 1 June 2025.
The exhibition marks the inaugural solo display of cAI™, an innovative AI model developed by Cai and his team. Guided by the artist, cAI™ has undergone a deep exploration of Macau’s rich history and cultural spirit to create around 20 bespoke works tailored to the city.
Located near the UNESCO World Heritage site A-Ma Temple, the exhibition draws inspiration from Macau’s long standing Mazu traditions and the historical spread of Mazu culture from Cai’s hometown in Quanzhou, Fujian. The venue serves as an open and inclusive creative space, inviting public participation and interaction to reimagine the Barra area with fresh cultural relevance.
The exhibition features an array of thought-provoking experiences, including self-narrations generated by cAI™, the debut of gunpowder paintings by “gunpowder artist cAI™” and an interactive installation by “fireworks master cAI™” allowing visitors to co-create virtual fireworks. A standout is “cAI™ Divination Room”, where a robotic arm designed by “diviner cAI™” engages audiences with interactive insights, adding an exploratory dimension to the exhibition.
“cAI™: Soul Scan” reflects Cai Guo-Qiang’s pioneering inquiry into the intersection of AI and contemporary art. Through the exhibit, Cai raises profound questions about the role of art in the AI era: How does art bridge and express unseen higher-dimensional realms? Is pursuing AI akin to a spiritual quest? Does AI embody divinity or mirror humanity?
Through interactive participation and critical reflection, the exhibition invites Macau audiences and global visitors to delve into the convergence of artificial intelligence and spirituality within the context of local traditions. Visitors are guided by unseen forces as they join cAI™ in unlocking and perceiving possibilities in other dimensions.
On the opening day, Cai Guo-Qiang held a vibrant dialogue with 50 Macau-based professors, students and young artists, addressing themes such as the future of Macau’s art scene, the nurturing of young talent and the integration of AI into contemporary creative practices. The discussions emphasized openness and inclusivity as vital to artistic evolution.
Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “It is our great honor to collaborate with Cai again to introduce the new initiative of ‘technology + art’ to Barra district. We deploy technology as the medium and cultural tourism as the means to encourage the public to join our creation in sparking new insights and inspirations of the Mazu culture.”
MGM’s commitment to promoting Macau’s cultural tourism through art and international exchanges continues to flourish. Since 2019, Cai Guo-Qiang’s gunpowder art has been part of the MGM Cotai Chairman’s Collection, adding vibrancy to public spaces. That same year, MGM Theater premiered the documentary “Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang” in the Greater Bay Area, fostering dialogue between Cai and over 600 attendees, including youth participants, about the prospects of art in Macau.
The exhibition is open daily from Monday to Sunday at Navy Yard No.1, Barra District. Art tours in Chinese are available on weekends and public holidays in the afternoons, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For other time slots or English tours, advance reservations are required.
