Chinese Artistic Conception In Chinese Ink-Wash Animation: Wandering-Viewing And Mirroring-Drifting

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24140/ijfma.v11i4.10576

Abstract

This study explored Chinese artistic conception (“yi jing”, 意境) in Chinese ink-wash animation through wandering-viewing (“you guan”, 游观) and mirroring-drifting (“jing you”, 镜游). Focusing on the dimensions of camera movement, subject movement, frame composition, and editing rhythm, qualitative comparative formal analysis of six representative works revealed the expression of Chinese artistic conception through not just ink style alone but also the coordinated realisation of spatial openness, rhythmic vitality, drifting visual guidance, and durational pacing. Framework incorporating wandering-viewing and mirroring-drifting provided clear explanation on the translation of traditional Chinese aesthetic logic into moving-image form. This study posited that the aesthetic strength of Chinese ink-wash animation extends beyond technical spectacle, including its ability to sustain drifting attention, spatial openness, rhythmic vitality, and temporal continuity. This study also provided a creative guidance framework for future analysis and practice.

Author Biographies

Yuan Wei, Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia

Yuan Wei is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia. Her research focuses on Chinese animation, cultural identity, traditional visual aesthetics, and the transformation of Chinese cultural elements in contemporary animated films. Her work explores the relationship between animation technology, globalization, and cultural representation, with particular attention to how traditional Chinese artistic concepts can be preserved and reinterpreted through modern visual storytelling. She has co-authored research publications and actively participates in academic conferences, colloquiums, and creative research projects.

Vimala Perumal, Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia

Vimala Perumal, PTech., PhD, is an academic, filmmaker, and creative practitioner at the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia. Her creative and scholarly work engages with film, cultural identity, storytelling, and Malaysian multicultural representation. Her filmmaking practice, particularly in portraying Malaysian Indian life, has received recognition at international film festivals. She currently serves as Deputy Dean of Research at the Faculty of Creative Multimedia and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Creative Multimedia under MMU Press. Her work continues to bridge artistic practice, cultural research, and creative education.

Zainudin Bin Siran, Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia

Ts. Dr. Zainudin Bin Siran, CiDE, is a Senior Lecturer, former Programme Coordinator of the Interface Design programme, and former Chairman of the Centre for Innovative Systemic Design in Applications and Contents (CISDAC), Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Art and Design from Universiti Teknologi MARA and has over 30 years of experience in industrial design, new product development, design thinking, and prototyping. Prior to joining academia, he served as Chief Designer at SHARP Electronics Malaysia. He actively supervises postgraduate research and publishes in design-related fields. He is currently involved in research supporting the development of Malaysia’s Art and Design Policy through INSAN (HiCOE), Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Razeef Shah Mohmad Rafik, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia

Mohamad Razeef Shah Mohmad Rafik is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia. He has extensive experience in higher education, broadcasting, animation, storytelling, and the creative industries. His areas of expertise include animation, gamification, videography, broadcasting, mobile application development, media strategy, branding, social media, and marketing strategy. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Multimedia, with a focus on animation and storytelling, at the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University. His work connects creative practice, digital media, and industry-oriented education.

Published
2026-07-20
Issue
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2026): Special Issue: The Transformative Power of Conscience in Twenty-First Century Cinema
Section
Full Papers

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