Cao Fei shares her influences, takeaways and focus

Main article: Artist shows agriculture droning forward

What was the most significant takeaway for you in creating Dash?

Reconnecting with the land and with tradition, which gave me a deeper understanding of "human value". Agriculture is the foundation of human civilization, and the land is the root of humanity. During filming, I felt the power of the land, the traditional beliefs, and the real lives of ordinary people amid technological development. They are not passive recipients of technology but active users and creators. Their simple desires and authentic feelings are the core of technological progress.

Your work has long focused on the impact of technology on people. Will this remain your focus in the future?

My focus has always been on the human condition amid technological transformation. From factories and logistics to agriculture, my scope has widened, and my perspective has deepened. I view today through the lens of history and the future, seeking to document the evolving relationship between technology and humanity. As technology evolves, it brings new challenges and sparks new thoughts. As an artist, my role is not to offer "solutions", but to record, present, and encourage reflection. This, I believe, is the value of my creation.

Why do you describe unmanned agriculture as "solving the problem of no people"?

Rural areas are facing severe depopulation, with most people migrating to cities for work. From migrant workers in the 1990s to today's younger generations, few are willing to return to the countryside to farm. The core question for the future is, "Who will farm the land?" Unmanned agriculture is not about intentionally removing people from farming but rather using technology to replace labor, addressing labor shortages in rural areas, and ensuring food security. This issue is not unique to China — it's a global challenge.

Has new technology redefined the relationship between people, labor and the land?

Yes. Technology has transformed farming from purely physical labor into something more advanced. Modern farmers no longer need to stay in the fields constantly — drones, smart devices, and big data allow them to manage crops remotely. Big data, for example, can predict pests and weed growth, aiding in decision-making. The relationship between people and the land has shifted from physical closeness to a technological connection.

How are the "new farmers" you explore in your works different from traditional farmers?

Traditional farmers work on small-scale family farms, while "new farmers" have a more diverse and tech-driven connection to the land. This group includes agricultural science graduates applying their expertise in research or tech companies, urban professionals shifting to smart farming for high-value crops, and young locals opting out of factory jobs to modernize family farms and sell products online, creating a new rural lifestyle.

Many people are anxious about technology, fearing that AI might replace employment. What is your take?

This anxiety is real. Even my 14-year-old daughter wonders,"What kind of future will be left for me?" The root of this fear lies in society's relentless focus on technological advancement while neglecting spiritual nourishment and human values. While technological progress is inevitable, we must not overlook the importance of literature, art, and slow living — things that truly make us feel alive.

How has Dash influenced your understanding of technology and tradition?

After engaging with agriculture, I developed an unprecedented interest in tradition because agriculture is deeply tied to the land, which is intrinsically connected to tradition and ancestry. For instance, traditional farmers assess soil moisture by touch rather than solely relying on sensors and data panels; similarly, traditional Chinese medicine relies on observation and physical sensations to diagnose illnesses rather than solely on electronic instruments. I realize that technology is not the sole standard for judgment — human intuition and traditional wisdom still hold irreplaceable value.