14 Dec 2024
The Fifth Digital Media Arts Exhibition, organised by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Academy of Film and Creative Technology, opened on the evening of 13 December at the AS Building. The event brought together prominent figures from academia and industry, including Professor Wenling Li, Dean of the American 5C Education Institute and Chief Expert of the School of Humanities and Education at Xi’an Eurasia University, Mr Jingxian Wu, Chairman of Suzhou His Design & Construction Co., Ltd., Mr Yongquan Lu, Chairman of Suzhou VSOCloud Co., Ltd., Ms Lijia Xu, Chief Content Officer and Writer at Suzhou Broadcasting System Gengguang Technology Culture Communication Co., Ltd., Ms Yingzi, Renowned Photographer and Member of the Royal Photographic Society, Mr Wenbin Tao, General Manager of Nanjing Maoli Technology Co., Ltd., and Ms Hong Cao, Co-founder of Tongshu Mama and Leader of the World Without Poverty Project.
Distinguished XJTLU representatives also attended the event, including Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President of XJTLU, Professor Zhoulin Ruan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr Chuanhui Zhu, Director of the Centre for Academic Affairs, Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel, Dean of the Design School, Ms Helen Beech, Dean of the School of Languages, Dr Paul Craig, Associate Dean of the School of Advanced Technology, and Professor Qian Liu, Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology.
Organised by the Digital Media Arts Programme, the exhibition is a highlight of the Academy’s annual calendar. This year’s theme, "Ecosystems," showcases the creative exploration and achievements of students across all years. Featuring a range of formats such as digital animations, interactive installations, 3D modelling, and virtual reality, the exhibition explores the boundless possibilities at the intersection of technology and art.
Centred on the principles of intersection, integration, and symbiosis, the exhibition reflects the programme’s interdisciplinary educational approach. It transcends disciplinary boundaries, combining digital art, artificial intelligence, data visualisation, and interaction design. From experimental cross-disciplinary creations to innovative collaborative projects, each piece conveys the complexity and synergistic aesthetics of the digital age’s creative ecosystems.
"The Digital Media Arts Exhibition is more than a showcase of student achievements—it is a feast of ideas at the forefront of academia and artistic practice," said Professor Qian Liu, Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology. "It invites visitors to explore the future directions of digital media art, inspiring profound reflections on the coexistence of technology, humanity, and nature, while demonstrating the unique value of creative education in the digital era."
Prior to the opening ceremony, attendees toured the exhibition and engaged with students and their instructors. During the ceremony, Professor Zhoulin Ruan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks. "Over the past five years, we have witnessed the growth of the Digital Media Arts Exhibition," he noted. Conversations with students left him impressed by the experimental nature of the works. "These pieces go beyond artistic expression to address philosophical questions about equality among humans, animals, and society, showcasing the distinctiveness of our educational model—fostering creativity and critical thinking that transcend everyday life."
Professor Ruan also highlighted the significance of the theme "Ecosystems," which he said aptly captures the essence of the showcased works. Reflecting on the exhibition’s evolution from its inaugural display of 17 pieces to the current hundreds, he congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue their exploration and innovation in digital media arts.
Professor Qian Liu expressed his gratitude to all attendees and emphasised the exhibition’s dual role in showcasing student creativity and marking their hard-earned achievements. "From digital painting and 3D modelling to interactive installations and virtual reality experiences, these works highlight the remarkable outcomes and talent within the Digital Media Arts Programme," he said. Professor Liu encouraged guests to engage with students, ask questions, and share their thoughts, underscoring the value of such feedback. He also extended heartfelt thanks to faculty and staff for their guidance and support in presenting the exhibition at such a high standard.
Representing the teaching staff, Dr David William Strang remarked, "In an interconnected world, change is constant." He noted that this guiding principle informed the students’ approach to creating the works featured in the exhibition. From installations to videos and posters, the students demonstrated transformative innovation. Spread throughout the building, the works invite visitors to celebrate the students’ creative success.
During the event, three academic staff from the Academy of Film and Creative Technology were presented with Academic Excellence Awards for the 2023–2024 academic year. Dr Yiming Chen received the Teaching Excellence Award, Dr Karolina Pawlik was honoured with the Research Excellence Award, and Dr Stephen Andriano-Moore was recognised with the Teaching Innovation Award. Professor Qiuling Chao, the Vice President of XJTLU presented the awards to them.
From left to right: Dr Stephen Andriano-Moore, Dr Karolina Pawlik, Dr Yiming Chen and Professor Qiuling Chao
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to the winning teams of the exhibition, followed by a group photo marking the successful launch of this year’s Digital Media Arts Exhibition.
List of Award-Winning Students：
FTA222 The Best Installation Award
Jiahan Teng, Yunxi Cai, Xinran Mao, Qianyi Tang, Tianai Zhang
Yao Xue, Rongchen Chu, Yun Lu, Jiexin Sun, Yanning Wang
Zilan Zhou, Yanru Lai, Siyao Liu, Jingyi Qiao, Kangyu Zhu
FTA129 IP Character Design Excellence Award
Yulin Cao, Mingyu Cai
FTA228 The Best Motion Design Excellence Award
Rongchen Chu, Ruiting Hu
FTA240 The Post Production Excellence Award
Sitong Liu, Jiayi Qian, Mingyue Xu, Zhiyan Zhang
Cherine Abigail Kurniawan, Clement Fernando Kusuma, Qianye Wang, Shuhan Zhang
FTA302 The Best Major Project Poster Award
Haoxiang Hui, Yifei Jiang, Quan Weng, Yiming Liu, Jiarong Sun, Yanjun Jin, Yifan Ai, Yifu Ma
FTA315 The Outstanding Portfolio Award
Liwen Zhang, Yiming Liu, Quan Weng, Yifu Ma, Shiyan You, Lanyin Zhang
By Wenzhen Li
Photos by Liwen Zhang and Zhen Ma
14 Dec 2024