Wenhui Lim's 'Auntieverse': AI Art Reimagines Asian Stereotypes

Singaporean artist and former architecture designer Wenhui Lim creates AI-generated images and videos of older Asian women she calls 'Aunties,' living in a surreal parallel world called the 'Auntieverse.' Started in early 2023, the project reimagines the negative stereotype of the 'Auntie'—often seen as nagging, old-fashioned, and pressured by family expectations—into a realm where they are free from rules and societal constraints. Lim uses text prompts to generate scenes of Aunties bathing in oversized ramen bowls, playing with pastel jellyfish, and driving sushi cars. Her work addresses social issues like plastic pollution (series 'Auntlantis') and beauty standards ('Spa'). A piece titled '5 Mins To Opening' was auctioned at a Christie's AI art auction in 2025 for over $11,000, sparking backlash from thousands of artists who signed a protest letter. Lim has faced threats, including one in 2023 where someone said they would destroy her home. She rejects the label 'AI artist,' identifying simply as an artist who uses technology. Her work has expanded into sculptures and publications, and she speaks in schools and conferences, viewing the Auntieverse as a social project. The project has resonated globally, with women in Mexico City, Barcelona, and London relating to the figure's struggle against societal roles.