The innovation of Sun Wukong’s artistic image is a topic worthy of in-depth discussion, because it is related to well-known mythological figures, and has been the hot topic of animation films for many years.
In the research, firstly, based on the re...
The innovation of Sun Wukong’s artistic image is a topic worthy of in-depth discussion, because it is related to well-known mythological figures, and has been the hot topic of animation films for many years.
In the research, firstly, based on the review of several animated films featuring Sun Wukong, the innovative transformation process of Sun Wukong’s artistic image is described from the perspective of historical stages. Secondly, from the perspective of diachronic, it establishes the dimension of vertical comparison, so as to define the innovative characteristics of Sun Wukong’s artistic image in different periods.
Thirdly, from the perspective of innovation theory, it classifies the innovative artistic images and innovative features of Sun Wukong in animation films so far. Finally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities of the innovation of Sun Wukong’s artistic image. This study is not limited to analyzing the images of Sun Wukong in different periods separately, but focuses on the historical continuity of the object of research and the innovation behind it.
In the process of exploring the image of visual art, numerous animated films related to Sun Wukong were chosen as the key objects of research. Through analysis, it is found that in the history of Chinese animated films, the innovation of the artistic image of Sun Wukong presents three stages. The first stage is the early exploration stage under the combination of Chinese and Western, which reflects the chaotic state of learning from the American Disney while trying to retain the Chinese style. The second stage is the exploration stage of socialist national characters, which reflects that under the state of the national system, the superior resources of the whole country are pooled to build the animation model representing the national image. Moreover, due to the application of traditional opera and painting elements, the artistic image of Sun Wukong characterizes the quintessence of China.
Third, it is the stage of national cultural confidence supported by new technology. With the help of increasingly mature 3D animation production technology, the two animated films of Sun Wukong born in the 21st century reflect the consumption concept of the new generation of young people, resulting in the artistic image of Sun Wukong blending into the characteristics of the national tide.
From analytical perspective of historical vertical comparison, it is found that the innovation of Sun Wukong’s artistic image presents four types: continuous and restrained innovation, continuous and fundamental innovation, intermittent and restrained innovation, and intermittent and fundamental innovation. The remarkable features of its innovation are: the innovation is restrained in most cases. Innovation tends to be interrupted; Innovation is a complex and non-linear process. Fundamental innovation needs to be supported by sustained and strong investment of resources. Through further analysis of the challenges faced by innovation, it is proposed that the adaptation to the external demands of the system is the key element supporting the innovation of artistic image of Sun Wukong.