
Beyond Appearances
— HALF FOR THE AI, HALF RESERVED FOR MYSELF
Using a smartphone (Xiaomi 12T Pro) attached to an external microscope, I captured microcosmic plant images that reveal intricate details invisible to the naked eye. These images showcase the complexity and beauty of nature at a microscopic level.
I shared half of these glimpses with AI, allowing it to process and interpret them, uncovering patterns and aspects that might be overlooked by human observation. The other half of the images were kept for my personal reflection, maintaining a connection with the raw, unaltered essence of the captured moments. These serve as a canvas for my own interpretations, grounded in human experience and emotion.
The unseen remnants are left to the flowing sands of time to unveil, suggesting that some aspects of reality will always remain elusive and mysterious. This project, “Beyond Appearances,” blends AI interpretation with personal insight, challenging conventional views of reality and encouraging exploration of deeper layers of meaning within the natural world.
AI Creation Workflow
- Capture Original Photos
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Take microcosmic original photos as the base material.









6. Edit and Compile in Capcut
- Combine all AI-generated footages and edit the video using Capcut .
7. Post-Process Video
- Enhance the video further with AI super resolution and additional frame interpolation to achieve the best possible quality.
Shengyu Meng (Simon Meng)
I am an interdisciplinary researcher specializing in architecture, art, artificial intelligence, and biology. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in architecture at the University of Innsbruck and hold a Master’s degree in Architecture from University College London. I also serve as a Technical Tutor in AI and design application courses at both UCL and UIBK.