This practice-based course explores Shanzhai cultures and their digital transformation, post-internet art, and Sino-cyberculture. Drawing on Shanzhai aesthetics (both hardware and software) and examining cyberculture and post-internet art, the course explores creativity and aesthetic production characterised by creative imitation, counterfeiting, parody, fetishisation and subversive playfulness in the remixing of existing cultural and technological elements.

Students will be asked to work collectively or individually to experiment with the flow of creation, both online and offline. Through developing installations, videos, graphics, images, and performances, they will have the opportunity to critically and experimentally engage with copying, invention, hacking, branding, power, fandom, memes, localisation, platform environment, and user behaviours through current and niche internet aesthetics. The course is supported by readings in media theory, culture studies, aesthetics and norm criticism, as well as screenings.

Enrolment for SM6311 depends on School's permission, which will only be granted if the topic is essentially different from that covered in SM5316, SM5347 offered in or before Semester B 2025/26 and SM6327.