Microsoft AI Xiaoice has solo exhibition in Beijing
Updated 22:31, 09-Aug-2019
By Sun Ye, Wu Jinjing
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A solo art exhibition in Beijing has attracted thousands of visitors this summer. The exhibition, titled "Alternative Worlds," transcends times, styles and human intelligence. But the real draw of this exhibition is the creator, none other than Microsoft's AI personae Xiaoice. 

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

While intangible without a look or a voice, Xiaoice's paintings on show at the art museum of the Central Academy of Fine Arts has won praise from professionals. 

Qiu Zhijie, curator of the exhibition and president of the School of Experimental Art at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said that Xiaoice's skills could rival the academy's graduate students. He said Xiaoice's works have been on show under an alias this year without raising any suspicion. 

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Xu Yuanchun, director of AI Creation and Business at the Microsoft Software and Technology Center of Asia, said Xiaoice got her abilities from the masters. 

"We let her learn from 236 artists' works from over the past 400 years, so she takes from all those masters. That's where her proficiency comes from," Xu told CGTN. "But then the way she creates also emulates how human artists work: A key word or an idea is given, she gets inspired and decides on what and how to express herself. " 

"It's what comes out of her inspiration that's most interesting to us. " 

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

Microsoft AI exhibition in Beijing. /CGTN Photo

People can also try to let Xiaoice compose pictures for them through a WeChat application. She composes based on the keywords or ideas given within three minutes. Each picture is unique. 

"As Xiaoice's works are unique, people can get their own, personal artwork much easier, works that are unique and tailored to them. This might change the way art is consumed and viewed by the general public," Xu said. Xiaoice, among the latest of breakthroughs in Microsoft's artificial intelligence development, will continue to hone its creative skills which also include composing music and poetry.