A select group of students from our Bachelor of Fine Arts programme in Imaging Design and Digital Art embarked on an exceptional educational journey this June. Dr. Amic Ho accompanied six junior-year students on a seven-day, six-night study trip to the historic Chinese city of Dunhuang for a specialised programme entitled “Artistic Journey to China: Explore Media & Art in Dunhuang.” Scheduled from 3rd to 9th June 2025, this immersive experience offered a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of ancient heritage and contemporary technology.
Dunhuang possesses a remarkable historical significance as a pivotal hub along the ancient Silk Road, the legendary network of trade routes that connected China with the wider world for centuries. This strategic position established the city as a vibrant crossroads where diverse cultures, philosophies, and artistic traditions converged. It is most renowned for the Mogao Caves, an awe-inspiring complex of hundreds of grottoes hewn into a desert cliff face. These caves house an extraordinary collection of Buddhist sculptures and millennia-old wall paintings, forming a living testament to centuries of devotional art. This unparalleled site provides the ideal setting for our students to examine how historical artistic practices can inform and inspire future innovations in digital art.
The carefully curated itinerary was designed for profound cultural immersion. Students were not only visit the caves but also developed a deep appreciation for the master craftsmen who dedicated their lives to creating these sacred artworks. Through visits to the cave complex and associated museums, they gained insight into the meticulous skills and profound devotion behind these Buddhist masterpieces—from the preparation of natural mineral pigments to the intricate application of gold leaf.
The programme’s primary objective was to provide students with an unparalleled hands-on learning experience. They examined ancient artistic techniques first-hand while also observing how this cultural legacy is being preserved and reinterpreted through cutting-edge technology such as 3D modelling and virtual reality. A particular highlight included attending contemporary immersive performances that utilise modern sound, lighting, and choreography to bring Dunhuang’s ancient narratives to life, offering dynamic interpretations of the stories depicted within the cave walls.
Ultimately, this journey served to broaden perspectives. By engaging with the legacy of historical artisans and experiencing traditional stories through modern performances, students developed a richer understanding of how cultural narrative and storytelling remain fundamental to artistic practice. Participants returned equipped with enhanced skills, renewed inspiration, and a sophisticated understanding of how to integrate historical richness with the creative potential of the digital era. This extraordinary experience promised to be a defining element of their studies, shaping them into more reflective and accomplished artists and designers.
