On September 15, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was set ablaze with creativity as renowned Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang staged a spectacular daytime fireworks display, officially kicking off the Art & Science Collide (PST) festival. The event attracted large crowds, particularly from the local Chinese community, all eager to witness this extraordinary spectacle. The colorful explosions transformed the Los Angeles sky into a stunning visual masterpiece, captivating everyone present.
In this performance, Cai showcased his signature artistry by using environmentally friendly paints and dyes, breaking away from traditional fireworks methods. The show, titled “We Are,” was not only a reflection of Cai’s own creative vision but also featured an AI model he developed, known as “cAI™.” This innovative model collaborated with over a thousand drones to create a mesmerizing visual experience. Remarkably, this event marked the first time daytime fireworks were combined with a drone show in U.S. history.
While admission was free, only 5,000 tickets were available and they were quickly snatched up, leaving many fans disappointed. Scalpers took advantage of the demand, selling the free tickets for hundreds of dollars. Attendees shared their excitement; Ms. Chen commented, “I was fortunate to grab a ticket. The live experience was incredibly moving, especially the last couple of deafening blasts that felt like my soul was soaring.” Another attendee, a student named Xiao Cheng, admitted she bought a ticket from a scalper for $100, acknowledging the inflated price but thrilled to experience the wonders of the show.
Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO of the Getty Trust and co-organizer of the event, described the display as “an unprecedented performance,” which set the stage for the PST festival.
Cai Guo-Qiang reflected on the rapid advancements in AI technology while preparing for the event. He credited AI as a valuable assistant in crafting his speech, which he delivered fluently, infused with a distinct Minnan accent. Cai expressed his ambition for “We Are” to bring AI to life, fostering interaction with the audience rather than keeping it hidden in the realm of computers. He envisions AI as a key to unlocking the mysteries of the world.
The performance unfolded in five acts, beginning with a kickoff from football player David Lynch. Cai orchestrated the rhythm and sequence of the fireworks, enveloping the stadium in vibrant displays that transformed the sky into a breathtaking canvas, creating a dreamlike visual effect. During two explosive moments, the sky was saturated with color, whisking spectators away to a surreal realm.
The event also drew numerous notable figures, including Wu Jianming, Chairman of China Merchants Bank, producer Wendy Deng, real estate mogul Pan Shiyi, actress Zhang Jingchu, and forensic expert Dr. Henry Lee, all eager to witness this groundbreaking display.
