Home » News » SYNTHWAVE: Welcome to Echoes of a Neon Future

SYNTHWAVE: Welcome to Echoes of a Neon Future

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming immersive interactive exhibition, SYNTHWAVE: Welcome to Echoes of a Neon Future”, taking place at HUM Space (AB1075A), from Oct 22 to Nov 24. You are cordially invited to embark on a sensory journey that bridges nostalgic echoes with futuristic visions.

Exhibition Info

Date: Oct 22-Nov 24, 2025

Venue: AB HUM Space (AB 1075A)

Curation Team: U-Corp@Synth Grid Project Team

If you are interested in participating in the Opening Ceremony and learning more about the different settings and the stories behind them, please kindly register via: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ahqROCJUIs9S3NY or scan the QR code below:

About the Exhibition

Synthwave is more than a genre of retro electronic music—it is an art movement rooted in the nostalgia of 1980s film scores, arcade games, and the visionary aesthetics of cyberpunk. Drawing inspiration from iconic works by Vangelis (Blade Runner) and John Carpenter, to modern applications in games like Hotline Miami and the “notorious” movie Drive, Synthwave bridges technology, visual art, and sound into an immersive cultural experience.

This exhibition seeks to promote and popularize synthwave culture, offering audiences a captivating journey into the music and cinematic artistry of the 1980s. By revisiting this influential era, the curation team aims to foster a deeper appreciation for its lasting impact on contemporary art and media. Beyond nostalgia, the exhibition encourages critical reflection on the synthwave movement four decades later, exploring how its retro-futuristic aesthetics intersect with modern technology and emerging trends—sparking dialogue on artistic evolution and cross-genre innovation.

To enhance engagement, the curation team will leverage interactive design technologies, creating immersive, multisensory experiences that bridge the past and present while fostering a dynamic connection with viewers. Specifically, visitors will step into a retro-futuristic cyberpunk jungle, where neon sunsets, rhythmic beats, and interactive installations create a surreal atmosphere of reflection and imagination. This is more than an exhibition; it is a collective reverie about a past that never was, and a future yet to come.

Additionally, the event will serve as a showcase for the U-Corp@Synth Grid Project, highlighting the creative achievements of this interdisciplinary initiative and reinforcing the potential of future artistic and technological collaborations.

We look forward to welcoming you into the glow.