The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(Guangzhou), has unveiled the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition, the world's first large-scale, cross-regional MR×AI digital art exhibition. A media preview was held at HKUST's Clear Water Bay campus as part of the university's 35th-anniversary celebrations.
The exhibition integrates creativity with Virtual Reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies, transforming the campuses into global hubs for arts innovation. It will open at HKUST(GZ) tomorrow and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement. The event underscores HKUST's commitment to driving cultural mobility and fostering international exchange through innovative technologies.
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, noted that the exhibition aligns with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and the HKSAR Government's Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. She highlighted HKUST's Strategic Plan 2031, which prioritizes integrating innovation and humanities, and the establishment of Hong Kong's first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity.
Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), emphasized that SURREALITY showcases the strengths of both campuses in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity under the 'One HKUST, Complementary Campuses' framework. The exhibition features artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions, redefining boundaries of knowledge and artistic expression.
The exhibition showcases 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 Clear Water Bay, 19 works are presented across three exhibition areas: Living Currents, Future Fables, and Beyond Mind. Highlights include The Gate, a metaverse-based piece enabling virtual traversal between campuses, and Kunpeng, depicting a giant fish transforming into a soaring roc. The Twinworld Tree creates a dynamic living system symbolizing interdependence.
Notable works include an MR recreation of GFP Bunny by Prof. Eduardo KAC, sparking reflection on genetic modification and bioethics. Mr. ZHANG Yishuai presents Echoes of Earth 2.0, offering a perspective on AI and interstellar civilizations. VR pieces such as Astra by Eliza MCNITT and Mother's Body Remembers by Benedict YU provide immersive experiences. The HKUST XRIM Lab's Unfolding Touch enables a soft-robot-mediated handshake between campuses.
Prof. Pan HUI, Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity, explained that SURREALITY explores a new form of reality where virtual and physical are deeply integrated, prompting reflection on technology's impact on human perception.
