Speaker: Professor Ye Qiang
School of New Media Art and Design, Beihang University

On April 9, 2025, Professor Ye Qiang delivered a thought-provoking lecture at the School of Fine Arts, Nanjing Normal University, titled "Narrative Resolution". A distinguished artist and scholar at the intersection of visual arts and digital innovation, Professor Ye began by unpacking the concept of "resolution," exploring its dual implications in both art and technology. Drawing a compelling analogy between high-resolution displays and the clarity of artistic narratives, he argued that just as resolution in technology determines the precision of information transmission, narrative resolution in art defines the depth of emotional connection between audience and artwork.

Professor Ye shared insights from his recent exhibition at the Shanxi Contemporary Art Museum, where he explored unconventional themes such as the contrast between traditional art forms and the terminology of Mahjong winning hands. Through this lens, he reflected on how narrative and symbolism operate in contemporary art, challenging conventional storytelling frameworks. He questioned whether, in this digital and technologically driven age, we should reexamine both the meaning and modes of artistic narration.In the latter half of his talk, Professor Ye delved into the concept of "fragmented narratives" and demonstrated how he employs low-resolution aesthetics to encourage audiences to engage with artworks from multiple perspectives. He believes that by embracing low-resolution visual strategies, artists can create more open-ended, participatory experiences that invite deeper emotional resonance and intellectual engagement. Blending classical art history with contemporary culture and emerging technologies, Professor Ye called for a renewed dialogue between art and technology. He advocated for moving beyond traditional linear storytelling in art, toward a more multidimensional, interactive approach that strengthens the bond between viewer and work.

Concluding his lecture, Professor Ye encouraged the attending art students to embrace innovation and explore diverse narrative strategies in their creative practice. He emphasized that the evolving concept of "narrative resolution" offers a rich framework for future artistic inquiry, pushing creative boundaries toward greater openness and plurality. This engaging lecture offered profound reflections and inspiration, fostering a deeper understanding of the convergence between contemporary art and technology, and the evolving possibilities of artistic storytelling.