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. As part of HKUST's 35th-anniversary celebrations, an exclusive media preview of what is described as the world's first large-scale, cross-regional MR × AI digital art exhibition was held at the Clear Water Bay campus. The exhibition will open at HKUST(GZ) tomorrow and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement.
The exhibition integrates creativity with Virtual Reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies, transforming the campuses into global hubs for arts innovation and technological excellence. Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, noted that the event signifies a major milestone for the university in integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation. She highlighted that the national 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and that the HKSAR Government's Blueprint for Arts and Culture outlines plans to develop diverse arts and culture industries. 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.
Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), stated that SURREALITY is a powerful showcase of the strengths of both campuses in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. Under the 'One HKUST, Complementary Campuses' framework, the exhibition has attracted artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions. The digital 'Portal' connecting Clear Water Bay and Nansha represents a forward-looking model of educational collaboration.
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. At the Clear Water Bay campus, 19 selected works premiered, transforming the campus into an immersive technology-driven art space. Visitors wearing MR headsets can explore three exhibition areas: Living Currents, Future Fables, and Beyond Mind. Highlights include The Gate, a metaverse concept piece that allows visitors to traverse virtual spaces of both campuses, and Kunpeng, which depicts a giant fish leaping from Port Shelter and transforming into a soaring roc. The Twinworld Tree creates a dynamic living system symbolizing interdependence.
The exhibition also features an MR recreation of GFP Bunny by internationally acclaimed artist Prof. Eduardo KAC, which has sparked global reflection on genetic modification and bioethics. Mr. ZHANG Yishuai, a PhD student at HKUST(GZ), presents Echoes of Earth 2.0, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI and interstellar civilizations. VR pieces include Astra by Venice Immersive Grand Prize winner Eliza MCNITT and Mother's Body Remembers by Benedict YU from Singapore. The HKUST XRIM Lab's Unfolding Touch enables a soft-robot-mediated handshake between campuses. Other works address social issues, such as My Flower on Alzheimer's disease.
Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor at HKUST and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(GZ), explained that SURREALITY explores a new form of reality where virtual and physical are no longer separate but collectively form our perceived environments. The exhibition offers a glimpse into this transformative vision, prompting reflection on how technology reshapes humanity's understanding of reality.
