In this project, I use AI tools to reinterpret illustrations from the ancient Chinese prophecy book, the Tui Bei Tu ("Back-Pushing Pictures"). Drawing inspiration from the original line drawings, I intentionally transform them into contemporary visuals characterized by high-fashion lighting aesthetics. Keywords such as "emotionless" and "sterile" are used as prompt words.
Each ancient Chinese text accompanying the illustrations has been translated into English using ChatGPT.
*The Tui Bei Tu is an ancient Chinese prophetic text from approximately 648–649 AD, celebrated for its predictions of China's historical trajectory. The author employed the principles of the I Ching and was so engrossed in predicting future events spanning over 2,000 years that a companion gently pushed his back, advising him to stop revealing heavenly secrets—thus giving the text its name, "Back-Pushing Pictures.
Vast heaven and earth, boundless, unknown,
Sun and moon revolve, cycles reborn.
Sun and moon revolve, cycles reborn.
The flying do not fly,
The running do not run.
Only perched high, spreading wings—
Can future deeds be done.
The running do not run.
Only perched high, spreading wings—
Can future deeds be done.
By cliff and shore, neither king nor sage,
Numbers two-nine, four-eight, mark the ageless page.
Numbers two-nine, four-eight, mark the ageless page.
Heaven and earth grow dim and blind,
Yet grass and trees in plenty climb.
Yin and yang reversed in flow—
Sun below, and earth above shows.
Yet grass and trees in plenty climb.
Yin and yang reversed in flow—
Sun below, and earth above shows.
A traveler comes from the west,
Stops at last where east finds rest.
Wood, fire, metal, water—four,
Shall cleanse this shame, forevermore.
Stops at last where east finds rest.
Wood, fire, metal, water—four,
Shall cleanse this shame, forevermore.
The flyers are not birds,
The swimmers not fish.
The war needs no soldiers—
Fate plays as it wishes.
The swimmers not fish.
The war needs no soldiers—
Fate plays as it wishes.
One yin, one yang—no start, no end.
The end ends itself, the beginning begins.
The end ends itself, the beginning begins.