The essence of artistic creativity resides in its capacity to reflect the socio-cultural and technological context of its time, articulate the individuality of the artist, and convey profound spiritual dimensions. In the contemporary era characterized by digital media and artificial intelligence (AI), a defining paradigm is the concept of “human–machine co-creation.” Artistic production and design practices are increasingly mediated by digital technologies, whose influence extends beyond materiality and technical processes to permeate cognitive frameworks and aesthetic sensibilities. Digital technologies and AI are exerting transformative effects on humanity’s epistemological engagement with the universe and are reshaping the trajectory of human existence. Within this context, the evolution of art and design functions as both a mirror and a manifestation of this metamorphosis. Creative research undertaken by faculty and doctoral students in art and design at the University of Macau exemplifies the outcomes of these technological interventions, foregrounding the dynamics of human–machine collaboration while simultaneously reflecting sustained artistic inquiry into individuality and spirituality.

Participating artists

Xun Chi, Mengyao Guo, Lampo Leong, Fan Li, Zhenhao Ou, Xipei Ren, Atticus Sims, Ouresis Todorovich, Xiaofeng Wang, Xiaoqian Wang, Yanren Wang, Haozheng Wu, Michael Whittle, Xinxin Xiu, Siyi Xu, Yan Zhang, Yanxiu Zhao, Hongtao Zhou