As part of the SIP May 4 Youth Art Week, the exhibition of artworks by students of five higher education institutions kicked off at Younan Art Gallery on Apr 30, and will last till May 30.

The exhibition features about 300 artworks, including paintings, designs, installations, and industrial art works. The exhibits demonstrate young creators’ talents in art and convey the concept of “inheritance with innovation and overlap of tradition and modernity”.

The works from each university or college feature a distinct theme. For example, the works from the School of Art of Soochow University, themed “Observing the Tides”, focus on the tides of the times in young people’s eyes, embodying the young generation’s reflections on society. And those from Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute, themed “Co-existence and Overlap”, demonstrate innovative inheritance of traditional crafts.

“Some exhibits are closely related to what I’m learning, and they have inspired me for future designs,” said a student majoring in product design at Suzhou City University.

Mo Junhua, head of College of Art in Suzhou University of Science and Technology, said the school had selected 113 works highlighting digital presentation of Jiangnan (region south of the Yangtze River) culture. He viewed the exhibition as a good stage for young people to participate in social aesthetic education.

The exhibition is coupled with a series of public education activities where famous artists, professional exhibition curators and leading innovators share their expertise with young art enthusiasts.