Giovanni Lion

Researcher · Generative AI · Creative code

Giovanni Lion
builds with code, agents and noise.

Researcher and builder working at the intersection of generative AI and creative practice. PhD in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2025.

Hong Kong  /  Padova Selected work → The lab →
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About

Giovanni's research investigates how generative AI reshapes creative practice — the way artists, designers and educators work when models, agents and automation become part of the studio. His doctoral work focused on adoption patterns and network effects inside creative communities, and continues into applied work on real-time AI systems, performance and teaching. He works fluently across Python, JavaScript, Max/MSP, Arduino, Docker and Linux, and is at home on hardware ranging from Raspberry Pi clusters to Muse EEG headbands.

Currently

  • Lecturing at PolyU School of Design.
  • Building real-time generative AI installations and tools.
  • Composing on an OP-Z; competing in Ultimate Frisbee.

Selected work

Installations, tools and games — built across research, teaching and practice.

A-Eye
2024 ★ Featured

A-Eye

An AI installation that reimagines the audience in real time
VideoSD
2023 Project

VideoSD

A real-time img2img pipeline for live performance
Mediabots
2022 Project

Mediabots

A Discord server for generative AI — and a research instrument
Brainmusic
2020 Project

Brainmusic

Generative music driven by EEG
Musical Fruitstand
2015 Project

Musical Fruitstand

A touch-fruit interface for generative music
Papinee World
2016 Project

Papinee World

A multi-sensory installation for children at Pearl Lam Galleries
Working with Sophia
2017 Project

Working with Sophia

Two years operating a humanoid robot
3DSND
2017 Project

3DSND

A 32-speaker ambisonic system
Featherman
2015 Project

Featherman

A mobile game about wetlands and migratory birds

CV

A working history across research, robotics, agencies and a handful of small companies.

Sep 2019 → May 2025
Hong Kong

Ph.D. — Part-time Visiting Lecturer

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

  • Completed PhD on generative AI and creativity, with focus on agents, automation and their impact on design practices (awarded May 2025).
  • Built a real-time TensorRT-accelerated img2img pipeline using WebRTC, Stable Diffusion and Docker.
  • Developed workshops and tutored students and professionals on integrating generative AI into creative workflows.
  • Taught electives in Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
  • Created A-Eye, an interactive AI installation that reimagines audiences in real time, premiered at the M+ private party for Art Basel.
Sep 2017 → Aug 2019
Hong Kong

Project Associate

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design

  • Designed and ran extracurricular workshops supporting student learning.
  • Developed a 32-speaker ambisonics system capable of real-time spatial audio.
  • Lectured in MSc electives Sound Design, Interactive Multimedia Environment and Transformative Technologies.
Dec 2017 → Jun 2019
Hong Kong

Robot Operator

Hanson Robotics

  • Oversaw performance scripting, transport, setup and operation of Sophia, the humanoid robot.
  • Worked across ROS, servo-motor control, computer vision and chatbot components.
  • Showcased Sophia at high-profile events including a commercial shoot with Cristiano Ronaldo and the World Investment Forum 2018 at the UN in Geneva.
Sep 2018 → Dec 2022
Padova, Italy — Remote

IT Manager

Ambulatorio San Massimo

  • Designed the network architecture and RemoteApp services (database, VoIP, booking API) for a two-site medical clinic.
  • Automated backup and routine system administration with Docker, cutting operational costs by ~60%.
Feb 2015 → May 2016
Hong Kong

Founder, CEO & Lead Programmer

Hagao Studio

  • Created Featherman, a mobile game raising awareness about migratory birds, in partnership with WWF Mai Po Reserve.
  • Led mobile game development end-to-end as team leader.
Sep 2011 → Sep 2014
Hong Kong

Founder, CEO & Lead Programmer

83bits

  • Built and operated AllIn1Social, a web app for managing content and ad campaigns on Facebook pages.
  • Full-stack development on Ruby on Rails; integration with the Facebook Advertising API.
Dec 2009 → Present
Hong Kong

Founder & CEO

Shi Cheng Trading

  • Established an import company specialising in gel and foam pillows and mattresses for the HK and China markets.
  • Managed end-to-end operations: procurement, sales, logistics, customer service.
  • Operated ERP systems (OpenERP / Odoo, then ERPNext) for sales, purchases, stock and accounting.
Sep 2008 → Aug 2011
Milan

Social Media Specialist

77Agency

  • Developed and deployed Facebook applications for marketing campaigns.
  • Worked with Lavazza, La Repubblica, RCA, Condé Nast and Mondadori.
Feb 2007 → Jun 2008
Milan

Teaching Assistant

SDA Bocconi

  • TeD+ lab — e-learning platforms and remote teaching.
  • Co-taught the EMIT course “Organizational Dynamics and Technical Change”.

Teaching & open source

Course materials and small tools, kept open.

Teaching · PolyU

pfad

SD5913 — Programming for Art and Design. Weekly exercises and examples for the elective at PolyU School of Design. Python, p5.js, generative art, and getting comfortable with code as a creative material.

github.com/venetanji/pfad ↗

Writing

Publications

Lab

Sketches and experiments — generative geometry, sound, agents.

An index of notebooks and small generative pieces. See all →

observable

Friendly Polygons

Concentric polygons morphing through simplex noise — the seed of the homepage hero.

 p5

p5.js sketches

An archive of vintage and recent p5.js experiments — flow fields, particle systems, generative geometry.

 observable

Observable notebooks

Live, reactive notebooks exploring algorithmic composition and visual systems.

Contact

Open to collaborations and conversations.

Email is the fastest way through. Giovanni is especially interested in projects at the intersection of AI, design and live performance.

giovanni.lion@gmail.com