SIGGRAPH Asia 2023, organized by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd and ACM SIGGRAPH, concluded on December 15 at ICC Sydney, celebrating the edition’s success in shaping the future of animation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and related computer graphics and interactive techniques and technologies. The 2023 event attracted 5,690 attendees from more than 40 countries and featured 30 exhibiting brands.
“As the curtain falls on SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 in Sydney, it stands out as a brilliant success,” said Conference Chair June Kim. “Thousands of visitors from over 40 countries experienced innovation at its peak, with over 30 leading brands and impactful presentations setting new standards in computer graphics and interactive techniques. From keynotes by luminaries to groundbreaking showcases and awards, we’re grateful for the support of computer, animation, and tech visionaries. Special thanks to our partners in Sydney for being tremendous hosts.”
Key Highlights and Achievements
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Conference and Exhibition served as a vibrant showcase of the latest developments in the CG arena. Luminaries Jun Murai of Keio University and Joe Letteri from Wētā FX shared invaluable insights with their keynote presentations on “Internet Civilization: A New Frontier for Humankind” and “Innovation & Avatar: The Way of Water,” respectively.
Featured sessions included speakers like Rob Bredow of Industrial Light & Magic and Paul Debevec of Netflix, who offered unique perspectives, touching on themes ranging from the synergy of art and technology to the frontiers of virtual production. Forward-thinking panels delved into the latest trends in Character Animation, VFX, Digital Humans and the future of computer animation tools.
The Conference also took a look into how a hybrid society is emerging via extended reality by exploring how with digital twin tech, artifacts, space and humans can be replicated in a digital form. One of the highlights was a real-time demonstration that demonstrated how digital twin, big data visualization and extended reality can connect from Sydney to other cities via Super Speed Connectivity.
Much conversation at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 revolved around generative AI, a topic that was brought up at numerous sessions. These sessions delved into the intricacies and applications of generative AI, providing valuable insights and expanding the overall understanding of this cutting-edge technology.
Fostering Future Talent and Education
The theme ‘Connecting Stories’ rang true among participants, who described how important it was to convey how their technology was being applied in an everyday sense — whether it be to help blind people navigate or an apparatus that uses sign language. Students, researchers and academics mingled with those from the industry, sharing their ideas and work in progress.
Attracting newcomers to the industry is important, and so SIGGRAPH Asia sought ways to proactively interest the young. Another notable highlight of the conference was the Computer Animation Festival, which featured an eclectic mix of 38 films, ranging from narrative shorts to scientific visualizations. It included works from the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, which brought to life the event’s commitment to fostering new talent.
“It has truly been an honor to co-chair the Computer Animation Festival at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023.” said Rob Coleman. “My SIGGRAPH journey began in 1992 in Chicago; the Electronic Theater at that event left an indelible impression on me. Back then, the internet didn’t exist, which meant that SIGGRAPH was the hub for seeing the latest in computer graphics. At that time, I had a limited view of the field; however, attending SIGGRAPH introduced me to a world of diverse content… Witnessing the exceptional global talent showcased this year is incredibly rewarding.”
Technological Showcases and Inclusivity
Emerging technologies were showcased at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 that show promise to redefine the industry. Over 900 Technical Papers were submitted to SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 and juried by more than 180 experts and over 3,000 anonymous peer reviewers.
Courses and Talks sessions, particularly those focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence on the tools the industry uses, were a window into the future of the industry. New tools offer potential in lowering the barriers to entry for more artists and designers to join the computer graphics and interactive techniques sectors.
Inspiring panel discussions underscored how SIGGRAPH Asia places emphasis on creating a neuro-diverse and inclusive community, providing a nurturing environment for discussions and learning as to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Recognizing Excellence
Outstanding individuals and teams were celebrated through multiple awards programs. Among the notable honorees, Australian artist Paul Brown received the prestigious Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digital Art from SIGGRAPH ACM and Singaporean Associate Professor Yong Tsui (YT) Lee was honored with the SIGGRAPH ACM Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his nurturing and fostering of the SIGGRAPH Asia community and Conference.
A recap of the Computer Animation Festival winners follows below; see all the SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 award winners here.
An Intriguing Exhibition
Visitors to the SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Exhibition encountered emerging potential for technology, from healthcare and transportation to space and entertainment, with powerful new visualization and interactive tools. Prominent industry leaders, including FORUM8, Adobe, NVIDIA, Industrial Light and Magic, MSI, Vicon, and Wētā FX exhibited, offering glimpses into the future of animation & visual effects, augmented reality, cloud-based systems, computer graphics, interactive & innovative technologies, gaming technologies, imaging, virtual reality & simulation, visualization, and much more.
People attended Demoscene to see the very cutting-edge of computer demonstrations, and the Experience Hall to participate in an immersive Art Gallery, an extended reality (XR) program and witness the emergence of the very latest emerging technologies for CGI, special effects and animation.
The Exhibitor Talks featured influential speakers from Adobe, Canva, DNEG, Foundry, Gigabyte, NVIDIA and Pixar Animation Studios, who introduced audiences to the latest advancements in technology and the innovative techniques that are shaping the future.
To Tokyo and Beyond
As SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 drew to a close, it left an indelible mark on Sydney participants, many of whom had never attended a SIGGRAPH event prior. Hosting the event in Sydney is a reflection of Australia’s growing importance in the global computer graphics industry. The local surge in activities in both 2D and 3D animation work is evident in the increasing demand for artists and expansion of local production companies in these fields, and insofar as local companies are expanding their capabilities and adopting new technologies for series work.
“I am deeply grateful to all the local and international supporters for making this edition in Sydney exceptionally memorable and successful. We eagerly anticipate the next gathering in Tokyo in early December 2024!” added Kim.
Visit asia.siggraph.org/2023 for more information.
Computer Animation Festival Awards
Best in Show: Moirai – Thread of Life | Ina Conradi & Mark Chavez
Jury’s Special Award: Hair Universe | Jinuk Choi, Kotory Studio
Best Student Project: Thaba Ye | Preetam Dhar, Daria Batueva, Hannah Judd, Mogau Kekana, Merel Hamers & Leroy Le Roux | producers: Cécile Blondel, Gobelins
- Honorable Mention: Quem Salva | Laure Devin, Maxime Bourstin, Nathan Medam, Charles Hechinger, Titouan Jaouen | p: Philippes Meis, Supinfocom Rubika
- Honorable Mention: Loup y es-tu ? | Louise Laurent, Alizée Van De Valle, Emma Fessart, Jeanne Galland, Célina Lebon, Annouck Françoise | Supinfocom Rubika
