On the morning of June 6, the School of Art and Design officially opened its “Origin of Art, Vision of Creation – 2025 Undergraduate Graduation Design Exhibition” at the University Student Activity Center Art Gallery on the Changping Campus. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Liang Yongtu, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC BUCT Committee and Vice President of BUCT; Ms. Zheng Xiuying, Director of the North Campus Office; Ms. Hou Hong, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office; Ms. Xu Xiaomeng, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office; Ms. Chen Na, Associate Dean of the School of Economics and Management; senior experts in the field, leaders and faculty of the School of Art and Design, as well as student representatives.
The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Wei Jie, Associate Dean of the School. Speeches were delivered by Professor Zhuang Yibing, Dean of the School of Art and Design; Ms. Hou Hong, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office; Professor Cui Yunpeng from the Communication University of China; and graduate representative Xu Kun. Finally, Vice President Liang Yongtu gave the keynote speech and officially announced the opening of the exhibition.
Dean Zhuang Yibing opened by introducing the overall structure of the exhibition and gave an in-depth interpretation of its theme, “Origin of Art, Vision of Creation.” “Origin of Art” signifies the beginning of one’s artistic journey and reflects students’ unwavering pursuit of art over the past four years. “Vision of Creation” refers both to innovative insight and the ability to perceive creatively, emphasizing breakthroughs in cultural innovation, social engagement, and interdisciplinary integration seen throughout the exhibited works.
Ms. Hou Hong highlighted in her speech that the School of Art and Design has, in recent years, been dedicated to innovating its teaching models, breaking down disciplinary boundaries, and promoting collaborative creation. As a result, students' interdisciplinary awareness and practical skills have significantly improved. This exhibition vividly showcases the School’s educational philosophy of “art-engineering integration and interdisciplinary empowerment.” She encouraged graduates to embrace the responsibilities of a new-generation designer: to carry forward cultural heritage with an open artistic mind, to address social issues with a critical creative vision, and to nourish the spiritual world with the beauty of art.
As the external expert representative, Professor Cui Yunpeng noted that the exhibition is not only a visual feast but also a platform for intellectual exchange. Each project embodies the dedication and creativity of its student creators. He was particularly impressed by the interdisciplinary integration, humanistic concern, and application of emerging technologies demonstrated in the works, which reflect both a deep understanding of professional knowledge and a keen awareness of social issues.
Graduate representative Xu Kun shared his personal reflections on the creative process and his growth throughout the past four years. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his mentors, supportive peers, and the university community that has provided a nurturing environment for development. “To live up to our youth, our time, our dreams, and our future”—his words encapsulated the spirit of the graduating class.
Vice President Liang Yongtu delivered the final address and officially declared the exhibition open. He emphasized the educational value of the graduation exhibition as a bridge between learning and presentation, and as an important platform for engagement between the university and the broader public. He fully recognized the students’ dedication and innovative presentation, noting that each work demonstrates individual creativity, crosses disciplinary boundaries, responds to contemporary concerns, and questions the essence of art itself. These achievements embody the “art-engineering integration” philosophy and showcase the vigor and professionalism of the new generation of students.
Vice President Liang concluded by offering three expectations for the graduates, under the theme of being “Designers with Three Essentials”:
Designers with Light in Their Eyes — Always maintain a love for life and curiosity for the unknown; never forget the original intention of “improving life through design.”
Designers with Skills in Their Hands — Embrace lifelong learning. Cultivate deep expertise while actively exploring interdisciplinary knowledge to unlock greater possibilities.
Designers with Responsibility on Their Shoulders — Create works that convey positive energy and stand the test of time. Stay true to the mission of “using design to warm society,” uphold artistic authenticity in the age of intelligence, and let BUCT's innovative spirit shine on a broader stage.
Before the ceremony, external experts evaluated all exhibited works based on criteria such as innovation, practicality, artistic expression, and social responsibility. Twenty-seven outstanding works were selected, with fifteen designated as “exemplary works” to be kept in the university’s collection. Awards were presented to the winners by the attending leaders.
Following the ceremony, guests, faculty, and students toured the exhibition and engaged in discussions. The exhibition will remain open to the public for three weeks. It marks not only a major milestone in the students’ academic journey but also the beginning of a new chapter. The School of Art and Design will continue to deepen its unique approach to “art-engineering integration” and strive to cultivate design talents who are both innovative and socially responsible. We sincerely wish all graduates success as they sail forward into the tides of the times and make their own mark on the world.
Translated by: Zhu Ruiqi
