In 2023 , expression is everywhere. It comes at us from all angles, escalated by the advancement and permeation of SNS and AI technologies. One consequence of this is the difficulty it poses for creators to offer new visions to the world. We are smack in the middle of this tumult, and that is why we named our 14th cohort’s thesis exhibition JUICY. We have to pursue expression that is fresh, succulent, and rich in flavor.

A juicy work of art shatters stereotypes and reveals truths that lie deep beneath a harmonious surface. It will continuously pose questions to the viewer and make them ponder. The superficial image is only an entrance to the path it opens.

A juicy state is never constant. It requires the breaking of something and a generous supply of stimuli to our senses. When we encounter this sensation, we are cracking open the shell and facing what’s beneath. It’s not as easy and peaceful as just peeling a fruit. It involves pain and anguish, and there’s no turning back. When we create animation, for a long time we need to stare into our souls and the medium. It’s an art that is composed of a sequence of frames – an art, one might say, that negates the frame that came before the one we are drawing. And that notion could also apply to the creator themself. This medium moves forward by the artist denying the self of before. Only through this process do they get to explore new expressions.

A juicy feeling is fun, always paired with a hint of rebellion. When we bite into a fruit and juices spurt out, we feel the most primitive form of joy – much similar to the way dynamic movement in animation is so glorious.

Please savor our work as if you were crushing a ripe tomato. We hope you will taste both the latent inside flesh and the pure delight of movement.