‘Blooming June’ Graduate Exhibition Opens at SCFAI

Chongqing - On April 24, the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (SCFAI)  launched its "Blooming June" 2025 Graduate Exhibition, marking the start of this year's graduation season. 

The exhibition features over 1,000 works by more than 400 postgraduate students across 21 disciplines, with displays located throughout the SCFAI Art Museum and Huxi Commune. 

First launched in 2005, "Blooming June" has grown into a major cultural event over the past two decades. What began as an internal graduate showcase has evolved into an annual celebration of contemporary art, widely recognized as a cultural hallmark of both SCFAI and the city of Chongqing. 

Tang Rui, a postgraduate from the Design School, shared her vision for the future of fashion design: "Can clothing become a temporary shelter?" Tan's graduate project, titled "Research on Fashion and Functionality in Outdoor Apparel Design," began with field research focused on the "Bang Bang Army" (a migrant worker group) in Chongqing. "I wanted to focus on the real, functional needs of workers, and this initial concept grew into a broader idea, where fashion becomes both functional and adaptable," she said.

Tang Yuzhu, a painting student from the Modeling Art School, spoke about the emotional depth behind her work. "These old objects carry the warmth of village life. I hope people can reconnect with quiet memories through them," she said. Tang's oil painting employs figurative realism to capture the nostalgic essence of rural China, prompting viewers to reconnect with their own past as urbanization alters the landscape.

Jiang Yajing, a postgraduate in Landscape Architecture from the Architecture and Environmental Art School, described her thesis project focused on historical preservation. "My design rebuilds not just a space, but a dialogue between history and modern life," she said. Her work centers on the restoration of the ancient Daning City ruins in Chongqing's Wuxi County, aiming to integrate the area's cultural and ecological heritage with contemporary life while reviving its community spirit.

The exhibition highlights the intersection of art and technology, the revitalization of traditional Chinese culture, and a strong sense of social engagement. Works on display respond to pressing themes such as sustainable development, cultural heritage, urban transformation, and community care. Through a wide range of mediums and creative strategies, students present their reflections on the present and visions for the future, expressing both personal and collective narratives.

This graduate exhibition not only offers a comprehensive view of the students' academic achievements but also marks an important transition into their professional careers. It serves as a powerful testament to SCFAI's educational philosophy and its role in shaping the next generation of artists. For the public and the broader arts community, it offers new perspectives and inspiration, contributing meaningfully to cultural dialogue and social aesthetics.

The exhibition runs through May 16 and is open to the public free of charge. Visitors can make reservations through the SCFAI Art Museum's WeChat mini-program.