From September 19 to 23, the 25th Pingyao International Photography Exhibition (PIP) was held in the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi Province. Under the theme Breaking Boundaries · Intelligently Envisioning the Future, this year's exhibition attracted over 5,000 photographers from 34 countries and regions, as well as 25 provinces and municipalities across China, displaying more than 20,000 works. A team of 39 faculty members and students from the School of Arts of JSOU—spanning five majors: Film Photography and Production, Cultural Industry Management, Photography and Videography Arts, Leisure Services and Management, and Character Image Design—actively participated in this prestigious event, with their exceptional works earning a place in the exhibition.
Renowned as China's largest and a world-class platform for photography, PIP places strong emphasis on academic participation, with its university exhibition segment being the largest of its kind globally. This year, the event established its first University Council and University Academic Committee to foster thematic dialogue and sustainable development in photography education. Yao Yu, a faculty member from the university, was appointed as a council member.
On September 20, faculty members Yao Yu and Chen Linna attended the International Conference on Photography Education held during the exhibition. The conference served as a key platform for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences, with a special focus on the impact of intelligent technology on photography education. Highlights included discussions on VR Virtual Image Scenes and how to reshape photography education amid technological change. Participants—including educators, scholars, and artists from China and abroad—explored cutting-edge topics such as Restructuring Photography Education under Technological Shifts, Cultivating Interdisciplinary Image Talent, and The Contemporary Nature of Photography Art.
On September 21, the two faculty members took part in the Virtual Image Creation Workshop organized by the PIP committee. The workshop centered on the application of new technologies such as VR and AR in image creation. Through expert lectures, technical demonstrations, and interactive experiences, participants explored the narrative potential and artistic expression of virtual imagery. These technologies not only expand creative boundaries but also raise new considerations for the direction and content of future photography education.
In addition, the faculty team participated in the PIP Curator Training Program, an important initiative aimed at fostering international curatorial talent. The program featured lectures and guidance from leading curators and scholars. Beyond theoretical learning, the two faculty members engaged in hands-on curatorial practice tied to specific exhibition projects and the PIP Young Chinese Photographers Promotion Plan. This learn-by-doing approach enabled them to integrate theory with practice while expanding their curatorial vision and global perspective.
Through their participation in the 25th PIP, the photography teaching team of the School of Arts not only showcased the creative outcomes of its faculty and students but also gained insights into advanced concepts in international photography education. These experiences will inform future curriculum development and pedagogical innovation, helping integrate cutting-edge technologies into practical teaching.
