A New Frontier
Tatler Malaysia|July 2023
Mumbai-based visual artist and filmmaker Varun Gupta delves into a detailed discussion on the AI revolution in the creative landscape, and what we need to do to prepare for it
Koyyi Chin
A New Frontier

Bordering towards the uncanny valley with his hyperrealistic renditions that blend fantastical futurism with the everyday life of India, Varun Gupta, a Mumbai-based filmmaker and animator, explores the intersection between technology and creativity by incorporating AI into his work.

Inspired by India’s version of the science fiction genre, Indo-Futurism, the founder and creative director of boutique content agency We Create Films predominantly uses AI programs like Midjourney and Dall-E for his visual storytelling, creating vivid snapshots of what he dubs as the “visual diaries” of the Cyborgbay Universe. From the reimagined city of Bombay in 1997, populated by humans enhanced with cybernetic implants and robotic limbs, to the vibrant streets of Nirvana Mohalla, a quiet fictional corner in Pushkar, Rajasthan where cultural traditions and technology intersect, these seemingly impossible ideas conjured by Gupta are now made tangible with the aid of AI.

However, as news calling for the regulation of AI and its disruptive effects across all industries have ramped up, it’s time that we take stock of the implications of this technology on our future. More pressingly, the creative industry is grappling with the complex issue of intellectual property rights with the involvement of AI, and how the valuation of art may undergo change precisely because of it. In the following interview, Gupta offers his perspectives with Tatler on how the advent of AI influenced his artistic practice, and why we should embrace innovation with caution.

Before we get into your work on the “Cyborgbay Universe”, what got you dabbling in AI?

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2023 edition of Tatler Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER MALAYSIAView All
How Working Out Transforms Your Skin
Tatler Malaysia

How Working Out Transforms Your Skin

When we think about the benefits of exercise, glowing skin might not be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, getting that sweat going is not only great for your body but also an absolute game-changer for your skin

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Mane Attraction
Tatler Malaysia

Mane Attraction

Dr Chang Chee Seong of Kaiteki Clinic shares his expert insights on hair loss, from the most common causes to cutting-edge solutions and what to expect on the journey of hair recovery

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Body Manscaping
Tatler Malaysia

Body Manscaping

Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Jared Chuah, cofounder of Nateskin, and how this Malaysian brand is breaking taboos around men's grooming, particularly below the belt

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Skin Superfoods
Tatler Malaysia

Skin Superfoods

Glow from within with these six ingredients that are good for your complexion

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Elevated Wellness
Tatler Malaysia

Elevated Wellness

Discover Amani Biohacking Club: Malaysia's first biohacking society for optimal leadership and life balance

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Dior Warrior
Tatler Malaysia

The Dior Warrior

Drawing inspiration from the world of sports and the strength of female Amazonian warriors, Maria Grazia Chiuri redefines empowered femininity as something both graceful and formidable for Dior's spring-summer 2025 collection

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA
Tatler Malaysia

ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL - MALAYSIA

Meet the country's most influential individuals: 100 prominent figures who are changing the landscape in Malaysia across industries in our main categories, from business and STEM, to social impact and culture.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Innovating with Purpose
Tatler Malaysia

Innovating with Purpose

Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder of Qarbotech, talks about how carbon-based innovations are changing the face of farming and ensuring a greener, more productive future

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Grounded Vision
Tatler Malaysia

Grounded Vision

Minister of housing and local government, Nga Kor Ming shares the personal experiences and guiding principles that have shaped him, revealing the thoughtful man behind politician

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Raising Penang's Bar
Tatler Malaysia

Raising Penang's Bar

Backdoor Bodega's Koh Yung Shen is elevating Penang's bar scene with Penang Cocktail Week

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024