The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST (Guangzhou), has launched the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition, marking a significant milestone in integrating technology and humanities. As part of HKUST's 35th-anniversary celebrations, the world's first large-scale, cross-regional MR × AI digital art exhibition was previewed at the university's Clear Water Bay campus, showcasing selected works by renowned international and Chinese Mainland digital artists, as well as faculty and students from both campuses.
The exhibition transforms the campus into a global hub for arts innovation and technological excellence, integrating creativity with virtual reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies. It will open at HKUST(GZ) and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement. This initiative exemplifies HKUST's commitment to driving cultural mobility and fostering international exchange through innovative technologies, aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and the HKSAR Government's Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, remarked, "This event signifies a major milestone for HKUST in its pursuit of integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation." She added that HKUST's Strategic Plan 2031 identifies the integration of innovation and the humanities as a key direction, leading to the establishment of Hong Kong's first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity. "Hosting initiatives such as SURREALITY and the HKUST AI Film Festival exemplifies this direction and is poised to develop into prominent international platforms that foster arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world," she said.
Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), stated that SURREALITY showcases the strengths of both campuses in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. Under the 'One HKUST, Complementary Campuses' framework, the two campuses have welcomed artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions, redefining the boundaries of knowledge production and artistic expression. "The digital 'Portal' connecting Clear Water Bay and Nansha represents far more than a technological breakthrough—it embodies a forward-looking model of educational collaboration," he added.
The exhibition features nearly 50 works by over 70 digital artists from the United States, Germany, Russia, Australia, Bolivia, Singapore, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong. Highlights include The Gate, a metaverse-based centerpiece that allows visitors to traverse virtual spaces of both campuses, and Kunpeng, which depicts a giant fish transforming into a soaring roc. Other notable works include an MR recreation of GFP Bunny by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Prof. Eduardo KAC, and Echoes of Earth 2.0 by HKUST(GZ) PhD student Mr. ZHANG Yishuai.
Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas at HKUST and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity, explained that SURREALITY explores a new form of reality where the virtual and physical are no longer distinctly separate. "Through artistic creation and immersive experiences, the exhibition offers audiences a glimpse into this transformative vision, prompting reflection on how technology is reshaping humanity's understanding of reality," he said. The exhibition runs through July 31, 2026, and is open to the public.
