The Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University (AADTHU) launched its 2023 undergraduate exhibition at the university's art museum in Beijing on June 9, with artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the leading creative topics.

The 2023 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opens at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, June 9, 2023. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Over 210 works from eight majors were displayed at the Tsinghua University Art Museum, the academy's multi-purpose hall, and its art gallery. Online graduation exhibitions for both undergraduate and postgraduate students were simultaneously initiated on the same day. This dual-track exhibition approach allows graduates to present their work to the public regardless of location or circumstance.

Embracing "integrating arts and science" as a fundamental aspect of its development philosophy and educational practice, theexhibition exemplifies the intersection of art and science, highlighting the latest innovations in teaching and research.

AI emerged as a prominent theme in this year's undergraduate graduation exhibition. Students used AI technology to explore its applicationin art and design, including an AI-based art education platform,AI-orchestrated animal livestreams and AI applications in cultural heritage preservation.

This year's graduate works exhibition also emphasizedinspiration drawn from traditional Chinese culture and diverse forms of artistic expression. Students showcased their strong interdisciplinary literacy by examiningsocial reality from different perspectives, demonstrating a keen interest in humanity's future, care for China's development, and concern for industrial transformation.

Visitors explore the artwork on display at the 2023 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), which opened at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 9, 2023. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

The exhibits notably feature experiments with new materials, technologies, and solutions. Some of the works delve into the potential impacts of climate change on future environments and biodiversity, underscore the significance of ecology and environmental protection, and focus on rebuilding social relationships in the post-pandemic era.

At the opening ceremony, Ma Sai, the academy's dean, noted that this year's graduates had witnessed art and technology merging on an international stage, including their academy's contributions to national artistic designs. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, they remained innovative and resilient, he noted.

"After four years of study, you've merged the knowledge, experience, and skills gained from AADTHU with your creative, youthful passion, culminating in your graduation work," he said.

Ma emphasized that, as technologies like ChatGPT accelerate changes in artistic design, students must have enough ability and courage to face various technological challenges. "I hope you retain your initialaspirations, constantly pursue excellence, leverage artistic design to serve society, and contribute to our country."

Qin Chuan, Party secretary of the academy, congratulated the graduates noting their privilege to live in a prosperous era and their accompanying responsibilities. "Through your teacher's guidance, you've honed your academic skills through hard work and sweat, overcoming difficulties and enduring pressure," he said. "As you enter society, I urge everyone to apply your learning, uphold your predecessors' traditions, align your AADTHU achievements with societal needs and contemporarytimes, and progress in unison with our era's momentum."

Professor Song Limin from AADTHU's Department of Environmental Art and Design lauded the 2023 graduates for overcoming the pandemic and demonstrating thoughtfulness and responsibility in their final works. He expressed delight and satisfaction in seeing them focus on human-nature relations, sustainable design, support for vulnerable groups, rural revitalization, intangible cultural heritage inheritance, urban renewal, and cultural confidence.

Song borrowed a quote from student Yang Chuling's graduation thesis to inspire this year's graduates: "Environmental design blends rationality and sensibility, instilling in me rigor and empathy. As our quick four years end with joy and regret, remember that graduation is not the end. I wish you all a bright future. We remain one family in this place where we spent our youth and studied."

Speaking on behalf of AADTHU's undergraduate graduates, Xie Ruilongxi expressed gratitude towards those who had offered help and encouragement throughout their journey. "Your love and kindness act as a warm current in the ocean of my heart, perpetually providing warmth. It's thanks to you that we are who we are today," said Xie. He highlighted AADTHU's role in intertwining art with life and transforming life into art for countless students. He urged his peers to uphold the academy's traditions: maintaining cultural confidence, serving national livelihoods, and fostering beauty in life.

Visitors admire the works on display at the 2023 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), which opened at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 9, 2023. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

AADTHU encompasses a wide range of disciplines organized into 11 departments. These include textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication design, environmental art design, industrial design, information art & design, painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, art history, and basic teaching and research. Furthermore, the academy houses specialized offices for research, international exchanges, and art galleries. AADTHU offers over 20 undergraduate majors and doctoral degrees in artistic theories, fine arts, and design science, as well as post-doctoral study centers.