IEA director Myles Calvert was invited to travel to China to participate in the IAPA (International Academic Printmaking Alliance), who hosted the 5th Annual Printmaking Biennial and Academic Symposium at the Xi’an Fine Art Museum and the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts (XAFA).

Topics discussed were new relationships regarding artificial intelligence and printmaking. Global guests discussed their concerns, possibilities, and possible ways forward to incorporate the new technology into curriculum and the future of making.

This exhibition titled, Developing Technology, Unwavering Printmaking, explored the future and development of printmaking in the age of artificial intelligence. Printmaking has evolved alongside technological advances, surpassing boundaries of the medium with its technical prowess and experimental nature. This exhibition discussed trending topics in the academic world, such as the expansion of artistic thinking in art education, upgrade and updates of art education systems, the integration of aesthetics and technology and its influence (notably the convergence of printmaking with digital art and AI, which introduces new artistic expressions). Meanwhile, the symposium focused on the fusion between traditional printmaking and contemporary culture into multiple dimensions.

Visiting faculty and professional artists were given exhibition space as well as cultural excursions to regional historical highlights such as the Shaanxi History Museum, Wild Goose Pagoda, and the World UNESCO heritage site of the Terracotta Warriors.

With thanks to the organizers of this event:
Zhu Jinhui
Elizabeth Chen
Wang Huaxiang
Frances Mao
Zhou Hongbo
Li Wei
Bai Xi
Zihao Jianchun

Student translators and guides: Yan, Dawney

https://iapa.cafa.edu.cn/en/

Xi’an Museum of art exhibition space.

Myles Calvert and Minjie Zhang with Myles’ prints.

Myles Calvert with Joseph Scheer print.

Invited global faculty and print professionals.

Myles Calvert, Alicia Candiani, Adolfo Candiani, Minjie Zhang with Minjie’s print.

Travel Highlights

Xi’an town center.

Visiting UNESCO Heritage site of the Terracotta Warriors.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/441/

Xi’an Art Museum entrance.

Lunch with international delegates.