The 2026 graduation exhibition of the School of Art and Design at Guangzhou College of Commerce opened on the afternoon of March 18, under the theme of "Beyond: Concept and Substance."
Speaking at the opening, Vice President of the college, Zou Xinyue, said the works on display reflect students' ability to turn concepts into tangible results. He called on graduates to stay connected to real-world needs, adding that design should address daily challenges and serve broader social development.
Lin Yuyuan, Dean of the School of Art and Design, placed the exhibition in a wider context, noting that design has long played a role in shaping how humans interact with the world, from creating tools and everyday objects to building environments. He described design as an ongoing process of innovation and refinement.
A forum held on the sideline of the exhibition brought together academics and industry representatives to explore how art and design education can better align with industry as it adapts to the rise of artificial intelligence.
Vice President Xiong Jianwen said the college is moving to better align its programs with industry needs by embedding professional standards into teaching, refreshing course content, and deepening collaboration with companies on joint research and innovation projects.
Lin added that designers today are expected to go beyond form and function, with an understanding of areas such as production, costs, and market dynamics, alongside strong aesthetic judgment. "That kind of competence," he said, "is something AI still struggles to match."
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | Guangzhou College of Commerce
