The Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opened its 2024 undergraduate exhibition at the university's art museum in Beijing on June 14, featuring works by more than 230 students that showcase their unique perspectives and innovative ideas.

The 2024 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opens at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, June 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

The graduates' works demonstrate a deep respect for tradition, a strong focus on current social issues, and an ambitious vision for the future, all seamlessly integrated into the exhibition's unique artistic space.

The diverse range of exhibits includes festive "Fu" character designs, folk door gods, Chinese-style furniture, and ink brush painting, as well as community space renovations, disaster relief tool designs, interactive emotional healing projects, and elderly-friendly home designs. The exhibition also features manned lunar rovers, space agriculture systems, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence-based psychological counseling.

At the opening ceremony, Peng Gang, vice president of Tsinghua University, congratulated the students on completing their studies and expressed gratitude to the teachers who had guided them. He emphasized two key terms: "interdisciplinary crossover" and "cutting-edge innovation." Peng noted that as AI technology presents both challenges and opportunities, the vital role and diverse social values of arts and design are becoming increasingly prominent.

"With the empowerment of arts and designs, cutting-edge innovation has gained richer connotations and pathways," Peng said, encouraging students to continue to uphold the spirit of Tsinghua's motto of "Self-Discipline and Social Commitment" and to achieve more in serving the country and pursuing excellence in the future.

Visitors admire the works on display at the 2024 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), which opens at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Qin Chuan, Party secretary of the academy, declared the exhibition open and urged undergraduates to "stand tall and keep pace with the times." He encouraged them to bravely navigate the challenges of the era while upholding the spirit of the university motto, thus ensuring that the essence of Tsinghua and the nation is better inherited and promoted.

Wang Xiaomo, an associate professor at the Department of Art History at AADTHU, spoke as a representative of the tutors. She urged students to continue applying thoughtful consideration of their disciplines in practice, action, and experience to attain true knowledge in their future development. In their future creations, she encouraged them to integrate "knowledge, thoughts, and emotions," while always maintaining their curiosity, engaging in lifelong learning, and continuously exploring, to realize their own ideals.

Men Wanning, an undergraduate from the Department of Sculpture at the academy, spoke as a representative of the undergraduates. She expressed her deep gratitude to her alma mater and tutors and pledged to bravely face the opportunities and challenges of the new era. With a broad vision, deep concern, and active exploration, she stated on behalf of her fellow graduates that they are committed to upholding the Tsinghua traditions of "patriotic dedication and pursuit of excellence."

Visitors admire the works on display at the 2024 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), which opens at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

More than 200 guests from within and outside the university attended the opening ceremony, including Peng Gang, Qin Chuan, AADTHU's associate deans Yang Dongjiang and Dong Shubing, the Tsinghua University Art Museum's executive deputy director Du Pengfei, and the museum's deputy director Sun Dapeng. Also present were heads of various AADTHU departments, representatives of tutors and graduates, their friends and families, and members of the media.

The undergraduate works from nine majors will be on display at the Tsinghua University Art Museum, the academy's multi-purpose hall, and its art gallery until June 27.

Visitors explore the artwork on display at the 2024 Undergraduate Exhibition of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), which opens at the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

AADTHU offers a diverse range of disciplines across 10departments, including textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication design, environmental art design, industrial design, information art & design, painting, sculpture, arts and crafts, andart history. The academy also features specialized offices for research, international exchanges, and art galleries. With more than 20 undergraduate majors and doctoral degrees in artistic theories, fine arts, and design science, as well as post-doctoral study centers, AADTHU provides a comprehensive education in the arts and design.