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LAN
Instagram: @lan_is_alone
LAN is a virtual idol who embodies resilience and hope in the face of the impossible. LAN invites viewers into her world, where they can explore the convergence of humanity and technology while connecting with LAN's message of perseverance and strength.
LAN is a digital musical persona that aims to connect with her audience through a wide range of digital media. Her story, which revolves around resilience, hope, and perseverance, is told over songs and videos that involve interaction and multiple platforms and formats.
LAN's intended audience is young women and girls between the ages of 14-18+, but her story can resonate with anyone who has ever felt alone or broken.
The project's aim is to draw attention to the parts of technology that we fear or find uncanny and bring a thoughtful lens to look at it through. It raises questions about the relationship between humans and technology as well as how it affects our interactions with others. With the advent of artificial intelligence and the recent debuting of the first generation of digital idols in Asia, many questions have arisen about what it means to be real, and how realness will influence what kind of entertainment we consume. LAN's existence begs many questions of the participant; what does it mean to be a human in a world with AI? What does loneliness look like, and how can it be lessened or eliminated as more of our relationships and interactions are digitized? Through LAN's story, the project aims to inspire resilience and hope in the face of existential dread, while also exploring the relationship between humans and technology.
LAN's mission to connect with the non-digital world manifests itself in several physical spaces. The darkrooms and dimly lit spaces can become portals to the place LAN calls home. Her holographic persona can be projected on curved translucent surface with which she can meet us in our physical reality and even perform live in concerts where her fans will be able to connect with her in real life.
LAN's first song written was written and produced by Brandon Jung and Brizhette Sunyoung Jung. LAN was created in Blender, an opensource 3D rendering software. Her 3D persona came to life with motion capture showcased in her video made in Unity, which is a game engine commonly used by 3D artists to create 3D art with complex environments. From her concepts inception to final execution, LAN has been my creation. I have learned so much from making her.
LAN is an allegory for the modern feelings of isolation and alienation many people feel today. LAN is meant to be an example of someone in the same situation as many of us. She is disconnected; lost and will never be able to be a real human, however she is trying. She is trying to be seen and heard even though it is futile. This is an example for us to never give up and even though some things are impossible we can still try. LAN draws attention to pathways we can take to create a more connected future through art and music.
My latest project marks a departure from my autobiographical tendencies, and introduces a new dimension to my portfolio. While LAN is not a manifestation of myself, her story carries a truth that I have personally experienced. Through her, I am able to explore ideas without directly referencing my own past. LAN embodies the friend that many of us have needed at some point in our lives.