Unveiling Creativity: Media Art Showcase by Digital Hollywood University Students

Digital Hollywood University (DHU), recognized by the Ministry of Education, is a pioneering institution established in Tokyo, focusing on digital content and communication. On August 15 and 16, 2025, the university held a showcase titled 'Tech tech' featuring the results of a concentrated course on media art led by esteemed visiting professor Yoichi Ochiai.

This event highlighted the creativity and innovation of students, with ten distinct artworks reflecting individual interpretations and experiences in media art.

Overview of the Event

- Event Name: 'Tech tech' Media Art Showcase
- Dates: August 15-16, 2025
- Venue: Digital Hollywood University, Surugadai Campus, 3rd Floor Surugadai Hall
- Social Media: Follow us on X: @dhu_mediaart and Instagram: @dhu_mediaart

Student Reflections

The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and create under Professor Ochiai's guidance. They each embraced the challenge of creating artworks within the constraint of presenting on structures 60x60x90 cm in size. Their interpretations varied—some saw the confined space as limiting, while others found inspiration in it, resulting in a diverse array of expressive pieces.

Professor Yoichi Ochiai, a renowned media artist and associate professor at Tsukuba University, has had significant contributions to the field, earning accolades for his innovative concepts and artworks. His mentorship has undoubtedly influenced the students' imaginative expressions.

Highlights of Student Artworks

1. El's Witch of Freedom - 'Poetic Representation of Magic'
- Inspired by the blending of personal memories and poetic forms, this piece reinterprets previous works, culminating in a homage to shared experiences through sound and visual art.

2. Harune Honma - 'hole¿?'
- Drawing inspiration from childhood dreams about dark holes, this piece invites viewers to explore the instinctual curiosity we all share.

3. Shunsuke Fujisaki - 'Breath of the City (Mobility Creating Value)'
- Exploring the dichotomy between everyday commuting and travel, this artwork uses sensors to illustrate the social benefits of mobility, fostering discussions on societal dynamics.

4. Martina./Marutii - 'TriTrace: Three Traces and Imagination'
- This interactive piece utilizes augmented reality to demonstrate how each individual's perception shapes the same scene, encouraging viewers to reflect on personal paths.

5. Hiyori Tamura - 'Present and Past of Words'
- Focusing on the power of gratitude expressed in the phrase 'thank you', this artwork layers 2000 paper pieces to evoke the weight and significance of words.

6. Yuito Otaki - 'Within Uncertainty'
- This artist utilizes visual technology to illustrate personal introspection and self-discovery, portraying the fluid nature of identity.

7. Miyuki Sakamoto - 'Visualizing Invisible Fears'
- Exploring human emotions surrounding invisible threats, this piece incorporates interactive elements to engage viewers in a shared experience of fear and fascination.

8. Hikari - 'Inner Speech'
- Delving into the complexities of internal dialogue, this work merges analog objects with AI-generated voices to portray multifaceted conversations within the mind.

9. Koikoi - 'Acclimatization'
- Reflecting on the duality of becoming accustomed to comfort and desensitization, this artwork aims to evoke appreciation for kindness and gratitude.

10. Yos Terakado - 'The Absolute World and Its Invisibility'
- Utilizing optical illusions to manifest thoughts about relationships, this interactive piece encourages viewers to contemplate their perspectives and interpretations of reality.

About Digital Hollywood University

Founded in April 2005, Digital Hollywood University has positioned itself as a key player in nurturing leaders in the digital content sector. The university offers diverse programs rooted in a combination of theoretical learning and practical application, preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The school prides itself on fostering a multicultural environment, with students from 46 different nations.

As the media art showcase highlighted, the future of digital creativity lies in the hands of these innovative students, poised to redefine art and communication in the contemporary world.