This summer, we had the privilege of leading the Artech Plus Oracle Bone Script Learning Program, in collaboration with Integrated Brilliant Education Ltd (“IBEL”) in Hong Kong. Our goal was to introduce students, whose first language is not Chinese, to the ancient Oracle Bone Script —the precursor of modern Chinese characters. In doing so, we guided them in incorporating these ancient symbols into artistic designs for a "Year of the Snake" zodiac calendar.

We designed an accelerated educational approach to teach the students the Oracle Bone Script, an ancient writing system with roots in Chinese history. To make the complex characters accessible, we simplified the elements of the script into visual aids and storyboards. Through engaging, interactive lessons, we introduced the structure, meanings, and historical significance of this ancient script.  

Though most of the students’ first language is not Chinese, IBEL provided a foundation for learning the language, giving them a solid basis to engage with our advanced Oracle Bone Script program and further enhance their mastery of Chinese through our teaching methods. 

Drawing from their own home cultural perspective and lens, they unlocked a rich understanding of this new literary dimension, cracking the code and complexity of the ancient Chinese language through symbolic meanings of the Oracle Bone Script. With enthusiasm and curiosity, they delved into China’s rich history and civilization, offering fresh interpretations and insights into its intricacies. They quickly learned how these symbols were once used for divination and communication in ancient China. Their rapid grasp of such a unique and ancient script paved the way for the creative project that followed.

"This program not only introduced a unique aspect of Chinese heritage but also bridged cultural gaps through artistic creativity. It’s truly inspiring to see how these young minds have embraced and redefined a traditional script, bringing it into a contemporary context. We are grateful for the support from the BC Art Technology Association of Canada in making this project possible," mentioned Irene Lee, the Lead of the Artech Plus Oracle Bone Script Learning Program.

"We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our team members Anthony, Dicky, Kevin, and Timothy, who have been instrumental in merging technology with tradition in this project. Additionally, our gratitude goes to Manoj Dhar, Co Founder & CEO of Integrated Brilliant Education Limited, as well as Savio Lau, Manager at IBEL's education centers, and their entire team for their pivotal roles and support throughout the program," said Irene Lee, the Lead of the Artech Plus Oracle Bone Script Learning Program.

Each student was assigned a specific month for the zodiac calendar and tasked with creating artwork that integrated the oracle bone script for their zodiac animal. We encouraged them to combine the traditional symbols with their own creative interpretations. The resulting artwork was both imaginative and culturally rich, blending ancient Chinese symbols with modern, youthful creativity. The students’ ability to reinterpret these ancient symbols into something new and personal reflected a deep understanding of the script, even though they had just been introduced to it.

Students incorporated specific oracle bone script symbols into their designs. 

For example, the oracle bone symbol for "日", representing the sun, was used creatively as part of the sun's "eye" in their artwork. Another student illustrated Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour and added the oracle bone script symbol for "水", meaning water, into the sea, enhancing the visual representation. These symbols were then digitized, showing how ancient characters can be transformed through modern technology to create dynamic art.

After completing their hand-drawn designs, we used AI technology to digitize their artwork and transform it into a modern, cohesive twelve-animal zodiac calendar. This digital transformation allowed them to see how their creative efforts could take on a new life in the digital world. It also showed them how ancient wisdom can be preserved and reimagined through contemporary technology. Watching their designs come to life digitally was a powerful moment, reinforcing that ancient wisdom can be preserved and reimagined in innovative ways.

This project highlighted the power of interdisciplinary learning, where history, art, and technology intersected. Not only did it ignite an interest in ancient Chinese traditions among the students, but it also encouraged them to think about how these traditions can be adapted and kept relevant in today's world. More than just an educational exercise, it was a cultural exchange that fostered mutual understanding and respect.

We look forward to continuing projects like this in the future, promoting creativity and cultural learning through the blending of ancient and modern worlds.
 
 

Irene Lee

Irene is a multifaceted leader whose expertise spans both global compliance in international financial institutions and innovative cultural preservation through art and technology. 

Alongside her distinguished compliance career, Irene is a pioneer in blending ancient cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology. As a Founding Board Member of the BC Art Technology Association of Canada, she spearheads innovative projects that merge art and technology. 

Irene recently led the inaugural Oracle Bone Script Artech Exhibition at the British Consulate in Hong Kong. This groundbreaking exhibition showcased how ancient Chinese Oracle Bone Script could be reinterpreted using artificial intelligence (AI). Her visionary curation drew praise for its ability to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern technology, further highlighted by Yahoo Tech, and support from Friends of the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

Irene played a pivotal role in education with her leadership of the Oracle Bone Script Learning Program in collaboration with Integrated Brilliant Education Ltd. (IBEL) in Hong Kong. This program introduced students, many of whom did not have Chinese as a first language, to the ancient Oracle Bone Script. Irene's educational approach, which combined visual aids and storyboards to simplify complex ancient characters, allowed students to rapidly grasp the intricacies of Oracle Bone Script and reimagine them through modern artistic techniques. The project culminated in the digital transformation of their hand-drawn designs into a cohesive, AI-enhanced zodiac calendar, highlighting how ancient traditions can be preserved and reinterpreted through contemporary technology​.

Kevin Yuen

I am a recent graduate from HKUST, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Irene and Dicky to lead the Artech Plus Oracle Bone Script Learning Program. This project marked my first experience in fusing ancient oracle bone script with modern technology and education. 

It was incredibly rewarding to help Nepali students from non-Chinese backgrounds grasp the essence of Chinese language and vocabulary through this ancient script. This meaningful experience has deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange and interdisciplinary learning. 

Timmy Tang

I am a Final Year student in HKUST, and I was thankful to join this initiative led by Irene and Dicky, along with my peers Antony and Kevin. The Artech Plus Oracle Bone Script Learning Program not only provided me with exposure in fusion of technology, history and education. 

It was also enriching to emerge non-Chinese speaking youngsters to Chinese culture in different aspects and this meaningful experience has sharpened my skills in cross-cultural communication and deepened my knowledge of ancient Chinese histories.

Antony Ma

As a recent graduate from CUHK with a focus on technology academia, this program has definitely been a valuable cultural shock experience for me.

Having the opportunity to join this Oracle Bone Script Teaching program led by Irene and Dicky, and collaborating with Timmy and Kevin, has proven to be more than just an Art-meets-Technology initiative. It has been a meaningful experience that allows us to share knowledge with non-Chinese speaking youngsters. 

This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of bridging different fields of study and cultures and has inspired me to continue exploring innovative ways to apply technology in educational and cultural contexts.

Dicky Lau

It’s an honor to be invited by Irene to take part in the Oracle Bone Script Teaching program. With near zero experience and knowledge in the field of art, let alone Artech, this was a positive challenge to me!

Given the opportunity to work with my young and smart teammates, Antony, Kevin, and Timmy, I decided to show my support by giving them the lead! Ever since the first workshop I befriended our Non-Chinese Speaking friends so I could learn Oracle Bone Script from my team!

During project initiation discussions, we thought everything would work out just fine. But our naive minds filtered out the success factor of this project, our beneficiary: the kids. 

Thanks to the cooperation of the students and assistance from IBEC’s team, we managed to complete this project fashionably in a timely manner! The studious minds and enthusiasm from each and every participant reflected the quality of education by IBEC. I appreciate the overflowing support and kindness given to my team.