#China #Beijing #Tsinghua University #Art Exhibition #AADTHU

2025 Tsinghua University Undergraduate Exhibition

The highly anticipated 2025 Undergraduate Exhibition from the Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University (AADTHU) opened its doors at the esteemed Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing on June 7, 2025, and will run until June 19. This exhibition not only marks a milestone for the graduating class but also reaffirms the institution's commitment to fostering creativity that resonates with contemporary societal issues.

The event was graced by more than 200 attendees, including students, faculty, and distinguished guests. Guo Yong, the deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Tsinghua University Committee, highlighted the significance of the graduation exhibition as both a reflection of the students' academic journeys and a launchpad into broader societal engagement. He emphasized the unique position of the current graduating cohort, who entered AADTHU during a transitional period in art education — one that has now matured into an era where artificial intelligence plays an essential role in creative processes.

Guo urged the students to harness their life experiences and personal interpretations of societal complexities in their future work, advocating for the importance of having an emotionally and culturally engaging perspective in their art. His call to integrate national sentiments and social responsibility into their creations emphasized that art should not only reflect the creators' emotional depths but also resonate with the spirit of the times.

Ma Sai, the dean of AADTHU, shared insights into how the undergraduate journey is a critical period for both academic growth and personal development. The exhibition reflects the diverse aesthetic expressions of students, their interpretations of intricate social challenges, and the collective embrace of public values. Through innovative narratives and visually compelling works, the students portrayed their commitment to aligning artistic pursuits with contemporary discourse.

In conjunction with these remarks, Qin Chuan, secretary of the CPC AADTHU Committee, spoke on the institution's ongoing educational reforms. Emphasizing an integrated approach between arts and sciences, Qin highlighted AADTHU's dedication to nurturing interdisciplinary collaboration. He hopes that graduates will channel their skills into tangible contributions to society, promoting exceptional aspects of Chinese culture while being fearless in innovation.

The exhibition displays an impressive collection — over 1,600 works from more than 260 undergraduate students spanning nine departments, such as textile and fashion design, ceramic design, visual communication, environmental art design, industrial design, painting, and sculpture. This year’s exhibition marks the first public showcase of all undergraduate work at the Tsinghua University Art Museum, which holds the esteemed designation of a nationally accredited first-class museum.

In discussions around the exhibition's theme, Qin expressed enthusiasm for the exploration of new synergies between art and science. The diverse artworks highlighted advancements in technology, integrating modern techniques and conceptual explorations that enrich the students' narrative capabilities. However, he was clear that authentic creativity must center around the students' original ideas rather than being overshadowed by technological tools.

Furthermore, the importance of merging virtual elements with real-world relevance was underscored, as technology can unlock new avenues for expression and understanding. The guiding philosophy for future artistic endeavors will prioritize the fusion of the tangible with the digital, validating that while AI facilitates artistic innovation, it should be seamlessly interwoven with genuine human experiences and societal concerns.

Overall, the 2025 AADTHU Undergraduate Exhibition stands as a vibrant testament to the connection between education, technology, and societal engagement, underscoring the pivotal role of art in both personal development and community dialogue. As the student body embarks on their professional paths, their works reflect a promise to enlighten and inspire through art that truly speaks to the human condition.