07 Apr 2026
On 10 December, the 6th Digital Media Arts Programs Exhibition, organised by the Academy of Film and Creative Technology at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, officially opened at the AS Building on the University’s South Campus. Under the theme “Resonance”, the exhibition explores the intrinsic connections between art, technology and natural order. Through a diverse range of media—including digital imagery, interactive installations, generative art, motion capture and AI-driven creative practices—the exhibition presents students’ creative explorations and learning outcomes within a contemporary technological context.
The opening ceremony brought together guests from both within and beyond the University. Internal guests included Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice-President of XJTLU; Professor Stuart Perrin, Chief Officer of Ecology; Dr Xin Bi, Chief Officer of Data and Director of the Knowledge and Information Centre; Professor Mark Leach, Acting Dean of the School of Intelligent Engineering; Dr Daniel Hampson, IBSS Head of Department of Intelligent Operations and Marketing; Professor Qian Liu, Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology; Dr Rong Yan, Senior Assosiate Professor at the Academy of Future Education; as well as Ms Fang Liu, Deputy Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology, and Mr Chuanhui Zhu, Operations Director of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology.
External guests included representatives from the cultural and creative industries, digital content, architecture, digital games and media sectors, such as Cha Weicong from Suzhou New Era Culture and Sports Exhibition Group; Jian Zhu, Chairman of Suzhou Gusu Ancient Architecture Protection and Development Co., Ltd.; Baizhong Tian, Chairman of Suzhou 1896 Innovation Services Co., Ltd.; Jingxian Wu, Chairman of Suzhou Hoshi Design & Construction Co., Ltd.; Xuemin Hong, Chairman of Tianti Headline Media Co., Ltd.; Jiong Cheng, General Manager of Suzhou Media Group and Suzhou Gengguang Technology and Culture Communication Co., Ltd.; Zhixin Wang, President of the Suzhou-Zhenjiang Chamber of Commerce; Zhen Wang, Executive Vice-President of the Suzhou Digital Games and Animation Association and Vice-President of the Suzhou Film Industry Association; Wenbin Zheng, President of the Gusu District Reading Promotion Association; Nili Wang, Founder of Unknown Journey Art; Lijia Xu, writer and senior media professional; Yunman Wang, contemporary artist; Hua Su, President of the Suzhou Designers Association; Ying Wu, Secretary-General of the Association, as well as three renowned independent studio designers from Suzhou—Zhiyong Luo, Zhaoyuan Ren, and Qin Wang.
The exhibition takes “Resonance” as its curatorial focus, examining the relationships between art, technology and natural order. Through a combination of rational structural thinking and sensorial aesthetic expression, the works reflect a re-examination and reconstruction of the rules, order and forms that shape our world.
Focusing on the flow and transformation of energy, the exhibition brings together digital technologies, algorithmic logic and visual art to explore new modes of artistic expression emerging from ongoing technological development. The exhibited works span digital imagery, interactive design, generative art and data visualisation, presenting multidimensional forms of energy—from microscopic particle movements to macroscopic structural order, and from algorithmic processes to emotional perception. Visitors are immersed in a space composed of light, colour and form, experiencing the symbiotic relationship between technology and aesthetics through the continuous flow of energy.
In her opening remarks, Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President of XJTLU, noted that the 6th Digital Media Arts Exhibition is not only a showcase of creative outcomes but also reflects the dynamic and evolving relationship between art, technology, and artificial intelligence. She highlighted how the students' work establishes a compelling balance between rational logic and emotional expression, demonstrating the expressive potential of digital media in contemporary creative practice. Reflecting on the development of the exhibition since its launch in 2020, she acknowledged the sustained efforts of both students and teaching staff, and invited audiences to experience how art and technology jointly shape future creative practices.
Professor Qian Liu, Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology, commented that the exhibition presents the Academy’s overall teaching outcomes in the field of digital media arts. The works span different year groups and course modules, reflecting students’ continuous development throughout their studies. He noted that, against the backdrop of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, the Academy encourages students to integrate technical tools with creative methods and real-world contexts, while exploring new pathways for creative expression. He also expressed his appreciation for the teaching and support teams who contributed to the students’ work.
The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of Academic Excellence Awards and Student Creative Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in teaching, research and creative practice. Student awards covered areas such as narrative expression, technical implementation, interaction design, virtual production and character design. A full list of award recipients will be published following the main article.
During the exhibition tour and subsequent exchange sessions, guests and visitors engaged directly with students, discussing creative concepts, production processes and technical approaches. These interactions offered further insight into the diverse possibilities of digital media arts in terms of space, perception and narrative.
The 6th Digital Media Arts Exhibition is not only a visual presentation, but also a concentrated reflection on how learning, thinking and creative practice continue to resonate within a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The exhibition will remain open until 16 December. Members of the public are welcome to visit the AS Building on XJTLU’s South Campus and experience the dynamic “Resonance” created by art and technology.
By Wenzhen Li
Photos courtesy of Wenzhen Li
07 Apr 2026