'Inflatable Wonders' exhibition to go on despite criticism from original artist

The organizer of the "Inflatable Wonders" exhibition in Central emphasized that the show would go on as planned, despite the art installations - inspired by the renowned AI artist - drawing criticism, including from the original creator.

Stemming from Armenian AI artist Joann's concepts, the exhibition at Central Harbourfront Event Space features five large-scale white inflatable world wonders including "Stonehenge in the UK," the "Easter Island Moai in Chlie," the "Pyramids of Giza in Egypt," the "Tower of Pisa in Italy," and the "Arc de Triomphe in France" created using innovative generative AI technology, with the tallest reaching over 13 meters in height.

However, the art installations met with criticism from the public, as some labeled them as inflatable graveyards rather than world wonders. Even worse, Joann on Saturday publicly stated that she "would love it (the exhibition) to be stopped" while responding to media questions.

She noted that the inflatable world wonders are "not well proportionated" and accused the organizer of not seeking permission from her before the exhibition was held, which started last Friday (Jul 5) and lasts until Aug 11.

"The only thing is, I don't like my name on this ugly exhibition," Joann told a media outlet. "But the concept is mine. So I would love it to be stopped."

Despite her disappointment, Joann said she would love to work with different Hong Kong organizations on art projects in the future.

The exhibition organizer, Central Venue Management (CVM), disagreed with Joann's comment and said the AI artist was well-informed about the exhibition and granted permission to the organizer to tag the show as inspired by her.

The organizer also provided the emails received from Joann stating she is "thrilled that the project has been approved and is moving forward smoothly" and "Please don't forget to send me photos and videos from the event so I can post them on my feed."

CVM said there could be some misunderstanding after media showed "poorly taken photos" to Joann and stressed that the event would go as planned, noting they received 6,000 visitors on the first two days of the exhibition.