Explores the intersection of Zen Buddhist metaphysics and the inherent opacity of artificial intelligence. Features a 3D model of the Iron Seated Buddha from the National Museum of Korea. Audio and visuals are manipulated through control signals derived from machine learning analysis of the Heart Sutra — the text is converted into numerical embeddings by collaborating ML engineer Sohyun Shin. Operationalizes the ‘black box’ problem of deep learning by treating opaque embeddings as a source of aesthetic noise.
Sam Shin is an audiovisual composer and creative coder based in the Seattle area whose work explores the impact of technology through the lens of Korean studies and digital music. He develops custom software using Max/MSP and p5.js, with recent practice focused on meditative audiovisual environments rooted in Korean Buddhism. He holds a Ph.D. in Digital Composition from UC Riverside and has presented work at ICMC, NYCEMF, and the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA).