Personal Statement
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In 2016, Zhang Jisang’s seven-year-old daughter, Nyan, passed away from blood cancer. To preserve her memory, Zhang shared photos and memories online. Overwhelmed with grief, she longed to see her daughter again. Moonwalk Broadcasting Corporation and Vive Studio used VR technology to recreate Nyan’s 3D likeness and voice, leveraging photos, videos, and recordings, along with voice actors and scans of a similar-aged child. After eight months, Zhang reunited with her daughter in VR, interacting through touch gloves and celebrating her birthday. This emotional experience brought Zhang closure, showcasing the power of CG and VR to evoke emotions and heal grief, allowing the mother to interact with a realistic avatar of her daughter and enter a virtual world created by CG artists and computer scientists to touch and embrace her.
This project inspired me to explore how fine arts and technology could merge to create deeply resonant digital art. The emotional impact of this project was significant to me. It made me realize the potent power of visual language and the artist's aesthetic to convey deep emotions, touching and influencing the human soul in ways more powerful than words or written language. I deeply realized how emerging technologies could help fine artists combine traditional arts with CG technology to create emotionally impactful digital art.
This passion for storytelling and emotional engagement took a transformative turn in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped my artistic vision. Amidst this global crisis, I shouldered immense responsibilities—caring for my pregnant wife - a cancer survivor and physically disabled person; and my ailing mother, who suffered from kidney failure. At the same time, I mourned the loss of friends and family, unable to bid them farewell due to the lockdown. As an artist, I tried to preserve their memories through my work, but my skills felt inadequate to fully capture their essence and convey my emotions.
When my world appeared to collapse, I received a precious gift: my daughter, Melissa. I felt overjoyed when I first held her in my arms and saw her face. However, my joy was short-lived when I learned four days later that she had a life-threatening complex congenital heart defect that needed immediate, expensive open-heart surgery to survive. My heart broke into a million pieces as I saw her tiny body struggle to breathe. To prioritize my daughter, wife, and mother in the hospital, I had to leave my creative lead position at the largest company in my country. Despite the strict lockdown and fear of the corona virus, I braved my way from hospital to hospital in a desperate attempt to save my only daughter while also actively helping others as a volunteer. I sought support from relatives, friends, and coworkers. Despite reaching out to them, I encountered a limited response. Resorting to crowd funding, I continuously knocked on doors, desperately looking for help to protect the survival of my only daughter.
When my world appeared to collapse, I received a precious gift: my daughter, Melissa. I felt overjoyed when I first held her in my arms and saw her face. However, my joy was short-lived when I learned four days later that she had a life-threatening complex congenital heart defect that needed immediate, expensive open-heart surgery to survive. My heart broke into a million pieces as I saw her tiny body struggle to breathe. To prioritize my daughter, wife, and mother in the hospital, I had to leave my creative lead position at the largest company in my country. Despite the strict lockdown and fear of the corona virus, I braved my way from hospital to hospital in a desperate attempt to save my only daughter while also actively helping others as a volunteer. I sought support from relatives, friends, and coworkers. Despite reaching out to them, I encountered a limited response. Resorting to crowd funding, I continuously knocked on doors, desperately looking for help to protect the survival of my only daughter.
Then one midnight, with tearful eyes, I discovered Ian Spriggs' hyper-realistic 3D portraits, specifically his work titled "Jasper," which depicted his seven-year-old nephew. The way Spriggs skillfully combined elements from art history, anatomy, psychology, philosophy, and neurology to depict complex facial features, hair follicles, subsurface scattering, and the subtleties of eye expressions conveying emotion astounded me. I read his book, "A Portrait of the Digital Age," and viewed his presentations, inspired by art history and driven by the desire to understand the human essence—how we connect by decoding the human face and emotions, and exploring elements within our core identity, personality, way of seeing life, and how we reflect it.
Jasper 3D portraits: https://ianspriggs.artstation.com/projects/vJ1OqO
As I delved further into the digital art world, I came across other talented artists, such as Hadi Karimi, Farzad Maleki, Alexander Beim, and Kris Costa. Farzad Maleki's work, in particular, impressed me. He creates intricately detailed digital sculptures based on classic paintings, such as a 3D version of Sebastiano Ricci's "Perseus Confronting Phineus with the Head of Medusa" and "The Battle of Anghiari", inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. Hadi Karimi's digital portraits are incredibly lifelike, capturing the essence of historical figures with unparalleled realism, showcasing his mastery of intricate handcrafted details and deliberate artistic choices that infuse personality and vibrancy into each creation. After watching Ian Spriggs and Hadi Karimi's hyper-realistic 3D portraits and connecting with the documentary about Korean mother Zhang Jisang, I couldn't help but imagine that, if computer graphics were real, I could hold her once more, even if just for a fleeting instant, bridging the gap between reality and memory.
Hadi Karimi: https://www.artstation.com/hadikarimi
Massacre of the Innocents '' Peter Paul Rubens '' - https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QnBRgr
The Battle of Anghiari " Leonardo da Vinci " project - https://www.artstation.com/artwork/aRGbmR
In my observation, only about 5-7% of CG artists can create lifelike 3D likenesses or digital avatars that genuinely capture a character's emotions and fine photographic details. A genuine portrait does more than just provide a high-quality visual output; it brings out the subject's inner emotions and personality.
Despite significant advancements in VR, AR, AI, 3D modelling, digital sculpting, 3D scanning, and numerous advanced software tools and graphic engines over the past decade, very few artists can produce super high-quality 3D likenesses. While AI and tools like Meta Human in Unreal Engine 5 offer some automation, they still cannot match the ability of a traditional oil painter or sketch artist who can accurately recreate a person’s likeness based on a description alone. Many skilled 3D artists lack the traditional art skills and theoretical knowledge to create a true digital portrait, despite having the necessary tools at their disposal.
The purpose of my research is to explore the current pipelines and workflows used by top artists worldwide to create digital 3D likenesses. My goal is to develop a workflow that reduces technical complexity, enabling traditional fine artists to seamlessly translate their core artistic skills into the creation of digital 3D likenesses. This would create a bridge between traditional fine art skills and digital technology, facilitating smoother and more intuitive artistic expression in the digital realm.
While other countries have undertaken projects involving digital 3D likenesses or human avatars, my country, Bangladesh, and the broader Indian subcontinent have yet no advancements in this field. My objective is to meticulously explore the workflow of digital 3D likeness creation and develop a more innovative and streamlined pipeline that can be applied across various projects.
My Portrait Studies
To maintain a focused and forward-looking research vision, my work will delve into two interconnected avenues. First, I aim to advance hyper-realistic 3D likeness creation by refining and integrating cutting-edge techniques such as 3D scanning, photogrammetry, advanced 3D modelling, and digital sculpting. By exploring the most intricate aspects of human anatomy, facial expressions, and fine details, I will employ tools like Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Xgen, and Arnold for physically-based rendering (PBR), striving to achieve the highest levels of realism in skin, hair, texture, materials, and clothing. However, technical mastery alone will not be my end goal. I plan to take this expertise further by incorporating these models into interactive virtual reality (VR) environments using Unreal Engine, merging hyper-realism with narrative depth to create emotionally resonant experiences.
The second core area of my research will center on leveraging VR’s immersive potential to enhance emotional engagement, particularly in therapeutic contexts like grief and loss. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and voice simulation technologies, I will develop AI-driven digital avatars capable of simulating realistic behaviors and speech patterns in Unreal Engine. These avatars will enable lifelike, emotionally driven interactions, creating new opportunities for virtual storytelling. I will also explore haptic feedback and biofeedback sensors to monitor users' emotional states, adjusting the environment in real-time to deepen immersion. This multi-sensory approach, incorporating olfactory, thermal, and tactile feedback, will allow me to create virtual experiences that push the boundaries of emotional realism and therapeutic potential.
In addition to emotional and narrative applications, my research will extend into next-generation game art creation, specifically in fighting games, where character design strategies are critical. I will investigate advanced physics engines, motion capture, and animation techniques to develop more nuanced and responsive character movements. By experimenting with innovative movelist, combo, and matchup systems, as well as new control schemes, I aim to introduce more intuitive and rewarding mechanics for player interaction. In this area, I will also explore how augmented reality (AR) and VR can create more immersive, dynamic, and stylized game worlds, blending realism with experimental aesthetics to enrich player engagement.
Furthermore, my work will include a strong focus on historical and cultural preservation through digital art. I plan to digitally recreate classic masterpieces digitally, using contemporary interpretations to explore new educational applications and contribute to broader discussions on art, history, and cultural narratives. By merging these diverse research avenues—hyper-realistic modelling, VR, AI, game development, and digital art preservation—I aim to push the frontiers of immersive storytelling, emotional engagement, and interactive media. My work will not only contribute to the field of digital art but will also seek to establish new paradigms in the integration of technology, art, and emotional experience.
The rapidly evolving field of hyper-realistic 3D likeness and immersive technologies—including VR, AR, AI-driven art, and 3D printing—spans diverse applications such as game development, cinematic creation, immersive communication, cultural preservation, and emotional healing. As industries like entertainment, education, healthcare, and heritage preservation increasingly adopt these technologies, the demand for skilled professionals is surging, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation, societal impact, and substantial economic growth.
My painting "Moral pollution"
My painting "Pollution of Social Emotions"
In 2007, following the sudden death of my father, I became the primary provider for my family, which required me to pause my education for five years. During this period, I supported my mother through costly treatments while managing two part-time jobs and freelancing. Simultaneously, I was caring for my girlfriend (now my wife), who was battling cancer from 2011 to 2017. Despite these challenges, I resumed my BFA studies, balancing immense mental and financial pressures, which initially affected my academic performance. However, over time, I gradually improved, diversifying my skills by taking additional courses in interior design, 3D animation, and graphic design
Furthermore, I have faced a huge financial and emotional burden after the death of my only daughter from a complex and extremely expensive congenital heart defect in 2021. Despite facing significant challenges, I successfully managed full-time and freelance roles while guiding subordinates and students. I prioritized my academic pursuits and remained composed. Through determination and resilience, I successfully completed my Master’s in Fine Arts, graduating with a first-class distinction and a perfect CGPA 4.0 (U.S. equivalent). I am delighted to share that I will receive the prestigious Dean and Vice Chancellor Award during our upcoming commencement. Furthermore, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy honoured my artistic expression by awarding me the prestigious Young Artist Award for my paintings “Pollution of Social Emotions” and “The Spirit of the Liberation War.” My “Moral Pollution” painting won the most prestigious SM Sultan Award out of over 2000 paintings at our university’s 20th-anniversary art exhibition. This recognition has motivated me to keep creating thought-provoking pieces that spark conversations and inspire positive change, raising awareness about the impact of our emotions on the world around us.
However, after my doughter passing, I sought medical assistance to unravel the mystery behind my daughter's complex congenital disability. The investigations uncovered another heartbreaking truth - eight rounds of chemotherapy and four surgeries had compromised my wife's immune system. After hearing this news, my wife attempted suicide twice and even suggested divorce and marrying another girl, but I could not fathom letting go of the woman I had loved for a decade. Despite my burning desire to study abroad, I dedicated myself to her care, using all my savings and working as an active freelancer to find advanced treatments and bring her happiness.
I grew up in a family deeply rooted in academic excellence, with my father, mother, and grandfather all highly educated. Several of my siblings and cousins attended top universities, pursuing prestigious fields, and it was expected that I would follow in their footsteps, choosing a conventional career as a doctor, engineer, or government officer. However, defying family expectations, I made the bold decision to switch from a top business school to Fine Arts—a choice that was courageous in a society where many still fail to recognize the potential of a career in the arts.
I believe that becoming a true artist goes beyond a profession—it can drive societal change. My goal is to bridge the gap between traditional fine art education and the evolving needs of the industry, while also showcasing the vital role that fine artists play in shaping society.
Today, I am the father of a healthy baby boy named 'Spandan,' which means heartbeat. Seeing the joy in my cancer-surviving wife's eyes and witnessing my mother's healthy movement has inspired me to take on more challenges in my life. I am determined to succeed in my upcoming journey in the field of fine arts.
My education in fine arts is a fusion of traditional mastery and cutting-edge digital techniques, preparing me to excel in the interdisciplinary field of visualization. Advanced coursework in life drawing and figure sculpting sharpened my ability to depict the human form with precision, while experimental painting pushed me to explore innovative approaches to visual storytelling. Studies in portraiture and the recreation of old masterworks enriched my understanding of expression, likeness, and historical techniques, enhancing my ability to create emotionally resonant and realistic digital works. Proficiency in 3D modeling, digital sculpting, and PBR texturing has equipped me with the technical skills essential for modern visualization. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter ensures my ability to create optimized, high-quality models for real-time environments. My knowledge of photography principles, such as lighting and composition, contributes to the creation of visually compelling and realistic renders, while advanced graphic design allows me to communicate ideas effectively through color theory, layout, and typography. Additionally, my exploration of landscape, cityscape, and installation art enhanced my spatial awareness and conceptual thinking, crucial for designing immersive environments. By combining traditional artistry with advanced technical tools, I have developed a unique approach to creating works that bridge the gap between fine arts and technology. With this foundation, I aim to contribute to research at the intersection of art, technology, and visualization. I am eager to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, push creative boundaries, and innovate within the realm of digital storytelling and immersive experiences.
My 3D Still Life study in Maya
3D Character Modeling
Creature Sculpting in Zbrush
My professional career spans interior design, corporate branding, and freelance artistry, each contributing essential skills for the interdisciplinary field of visualization. As a certified interior designer, I have worked on large-scale commercial and luxurious residential projects, mastering tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Autodesk 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Unreal Engine. These projects honed my ability to create functional yet visually captivating spaces, with a focus on realistic 3D modeling, spatial planning, and immersive walkthroughs. This experience sharpened my problem-solving skills, enriched my understanding of lighting and material dynamics, and strengthened my ability to collaborate with diverse teams—crucial competencies for creating engaging digital environments. In corporate brand communication, I led cross-functional teams to develop strategic campaigns, leveraging visual storytelling to engage diverse audiences. This role deepened my expertise in branding, strategic planning, and project management, refining my ability to translate complex ideas into impactful visuals. The intersection of strategic thinking and creative execution has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of narrative-driven design, which I am eager to explore further in the context of immersive digital environments. Through extensive freelance work, including commissioned portraits and digital art projects, I expanded my technical proficiency and adaptability. Delivering high-caliber artwork under tight deadlines taught me to thrive under pressure, embrace constructive feedback, and consistently push creative boundaries. These diverse experiences have not only prepared me for the research but have also shaped my vision to merge technical expertise with artistic innovation in creating immersive, narrative-driven visualizations.
I am deeply passionate about the intersection of games, art, and technology, and I embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with pushing creative boundaries. Collaborating with fellow artists, scholars, and researchers fuels my enthusiasm, as I believe in the power of shared passion to drive meaningful innovation. My ultimate goal is to be a trailblazer in fine arts and game development, using art, culture, and technology to create positive societal change. I am committed to helping shape the future of Bangladesh’s digital art landscape, fostering a thriving art and CG industry, and inspiring the next generation of creative minds. Through my work, I strive to blend artistic expression, education, and research, making a lasting impact on both the global art community and the evolving world of interactive media.
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