Modern Fable III: A Visual Dialogue About Progress and Responsibility

At the Future Art & Design Award UK 2026 Spring Season, Modern Fable III received the Gold Prize in the Mixed Media Painting category for its thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and the invisible consequences of technological advancement.

Combining installation art, mixed media processes, and conceptual research, the project reflects on the growing dependence on AI-driven systems while questioning the environmental and economic structures supporting them. Through a visually immersive approach, the work invites viewers to reconsider the relationship between innovation, consumption, and ecological responsibility.

Modern Fable III is a dystopian modern fable that addresses the potential unforeseen consequences of people heavily relying on the semiconductor industry, especially during a time when AI is on the rise. The semiconductor industry is not only related to environmental issues, but it is also linked to capitalism and the global economy. There are some hidden issues that have not been noticed by the public. Through my artwork, I would like to encourage the public to be more aware of the hidden issues in how the semiconductor industry affects our lives and the environment in the modern world.

Moreover, neoliberalism, as the evolved form from capitalism, does indeed make the world’s economy grow faster with materials and resources from all over the world to be utilised without friction. However, some companies would gain the most since they are the ones that can afford to acquire cheaper materials and resources from low cost countries. Once these big corporations dominate the world market, they would be able to control the price, influence politics, and cause greater damage with little consequence.

In order to create the dystopian world, I chose the “Incense burner in Boshan mountain shape” as my base. The “Incense burner in Boshan mountain shape” has a meaning of a fictional religious mountain, which provides a utopian setting to illustrate how people change their lives after neoliberalism influence. Moreover, I grind the stones and the metallic powder that produce the semiconductor panel into my pigment. I also utilize the concept of a well-organized Chinese ink painting to allow the audience to view, play, walk, or even live in and experience it. To sum up, Modern Fable III presents how the semiconductor factories affect this mystical mountain through its factories, products, waste, and poverty. It seems like a shrine at first sight, just like how the world worships the semiconductor industry and neoliberalism. However, having a closer look, the audience will discover the catastrophe that is caused by this industry and neoliberalism.

Therefore, I hope through Modern Fable III, the audiences can discover a dystopian world that foresees the potential hazardous future that we could encounter if neoliberalism and the semiconductor industry keep on the path and become out of control. I would also like to let the audiences to be aware of the seriousness of such issues, and think about what we can do to reduce the damage to our environment and our lives.

Interview

Q. What initially inspired this project? Was there a particular idea, moment, or question that sparked its creation?

Elizabeth Yeh:

Being an American-Taiwanese, I understand both countries lead the world in high technology. It is also a predictable future that people will heavily rely on AI. However, there are some hidden issues that have not yet been fully noticed by the public.

Since environmental issues and sustainability have always been central to my artistic interests, I began noticing how AI-driven consumer products were increasingly impacting our lives and contributing to pollution. The deeper I researched, the more I realized that this industry is connected not only to environmental concerns, but also to global capitalism and economic systems.

Through Modern Fable III, I hope audiences become more aware of the seriousness of these issues and begin reflecting on what we can do to reduce the damage being done to both our environment and our future lives.

Q. What was the most exciting or most challenging aspect of bringing this work to life?

Yeh:

The most exciting part was transforming my imagination into reality. This was my first time creating an installation artwork, and although I encountered many difficulties throughout the process, it pushed me to actively search for solutions.

Watching the work gradually come together piece by piece felt surreal and joyful because all the effort I invested was finally becoming tangible.

The most challenging aspect was constructing the large wooden framework. To create the structural components, I designed each part digitally and used laser cutting to cut the MDF boards. Since the boards were extremely thin and fragile, the construction process became highly demanding.

I spent countless days and nights collaborating with technicians in the wood workshop to successfully complete the project.

Q. How was your experience taking part in the Future Art & Design Award UK?

Yeh:

I believe the Future Art & Design Award UK is both highly motivating and inspirational.

This platform recognizes not only final outcomes, but also creativity, cultural diversity, and the effort behind each participant’s work. It encourages a broader culture of appreciation for all forms of art and design.

The award also provides artists with meaningful visibility through its media platform. In addition, the judges offer thoughtful and detailed feedback, carefully analyzing each work and helping creators recognize how they can elevate their practice further.

I am truly grateful to the Future Art & Design Award UK for providing such a valuable opportunity. It reminds me that when you believe in yourself, your hard work will eventually be recognized.

Editor’s Note

In Modern Fable III, Elizabeth Yeh transforms contemporary technological anxiety into a visually compelling artistic narrative.

Rather than presenting AI solely as innovation or progress, the work examines its hidden environmental and social implications, encouraging audiences to confront the unseen infrastructures behind modern convenience. By merging installation processes with conceptual storytelling, the project bridges technology, ecology, and contemporary culture through a language that feels both personal and globally relevant.

At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping everyday life, Modern Fable III reminds viewers that technological advancement and environmental responsibility cannot be separated—and that art remains a powerful space for critical reflection and dialogue.

Follow the Artist: https://www.instagram.com/liz_yunart