The first Digital Art China exhibition opened at the Art Museum of the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on April 18.

One of the largest exhibits of its kind, Digital Art China showcases 210 artworks selected from among more than 12,000 entries, encompassing such art forms as computer-generated painting, digital imaging, interactive art, mixed reality, and AI-generated content.

The official poster for the first Digital Art China. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The exhibition seeks to present the creative achievements of contemporary Chinese digital art over the past decade, highlight the social value of digital art, and unleash new artistic energy that will further drive social innovation, said the organizers.

The 21st century has witnessed the rapid development of digital technology and digital economy, as well as the emergence of digital art, said Gao Shiming, president of the China Academy of Art, at the opening ceremony.  

"More importantly, digital art has grown beyond fine art and contemporary art, and has opened up a new artistic space for humankind," he said.

An artistic installation presenting a satellite is seen at the first Digital Art China at the Art Museum of China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on April 18. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Digital art, according to the organizers of the exhibition, refers to any artistic creation or expression produced via digital technology, such as computers, tablets, and digital software. It covers a wide variety of visual and multimedia art forms, including digital painting and drawing, digital illustration, and 3D modeling and sculpting.

Since its inception, digital art, with its unique form of expression and innovative technology, has garnered worldwide attention, providing not only new creative possibilities for artists but also new ways for the public to access art, said Ma Fenghui, vice-chairman of the China Artists Association.

The first Digital Art China will further promote the development of digital art in China, Ma said.

"It will also promote international art exchanges and cooperation, as well as contribute to the diversity and innovation of global art and culture," he added.

The event, hosted by the China Artists Association, Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and China Academy of Art, will run through June 3.

The Digital Art China will be held every two years in the future, the organizers revealed.