A Practice-Based Study in AI Visualization: Animating the Overture of the XJTLU Anthem

This practice-based research project explores the creative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in translating musical and thematic elements into visual narratives. The practice culminated in the creation of an animated video piece synchronized to the overture of the Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Anthem, performed on the Guqin.

The methodology involved a multi-stage process. First, a diverse set of source images, including personal photographs and official visuals sourced from the XJTLU website, was curated. These images served as the foundational material for generating a series of animated segments using AI-powered video generation tools. Subsequently, these AI-generated clips were meticulously edited and sequenced using post-production software. The editing was strategically guided by a close analysis of the Guqin overture, ensuring a rhythmic and thematic alignment between the visual flow and the musical structure.

The project demonstrates a novel workflow for audiovisual creation, situating the practitioner as a curator and conductor of AI-generated content rather than a sole creator from scratch. It argues for the efficacy of using AI as a collaborative tool to interpret and visualize institutional identity and cultural motifs embedded within a specific musical piece. The final video stands as both a creative artifact and a methodological case study, offering insights into the intersection of AI, digital artistry, and cultural expression.