Contemporary Chinese Animation Design as a Reinterpretation of Traditional Cultural Connotations Based on Shadow Puppet Theater

The object of the research is modern Chinese animation design and its evolution over the past 70 years. The subject of the research is the potential for rethinking traditional cultural connotations of Chinese shadow theater in modern animation design. The synthesis of the canonical principles of shadow theater with modern animation technologies enhances the expressiveness of cartoons and their ability to convey philosophical, ethical, artistic and technological values. The theoretical analysis of the problem and the practical development of innovative methods of animation design by the author using digital technologies open up new prospects for preserving cultural heritage and finding ways of innovative development of traditional culture. The article uses a comprehensive methodology of cultural studies, art history and computer technology to analyze the processes of rethinking the traditions of shadow puppet theater in modern Chinese animation design. The methods of comparative research, experimental design and expert exchange help to evaluate representative works of contemporary animation in terms of visual style, narrative structure and cultural narrative. The author argues that the processes of enriching contemporary animation with philosophical ideas and ethical imperatives of traditional Chinese culture on the one hand and rebranding traditional culture through animation on the other hand help to preserve the cultural identity of Chinese animated films and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Careful reinterpretation of cultural connotations enables animated films to preserve and promote traditional virtues such as loyalty, filial piety and courage in figurative form. On the artistic level, Chinese animation design draws on the aesthetics of traditional art, classical painting and calligraphy, and humorous storytelling, combining them into a unique visual style. The latest technologies enrich animation design and open up new possibilities for a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese culture.

China, tradition culture, culture connotation, three-dimensional animation, animation design, cultural heritage, shadow play, moral imperatives, digital technology, motion capture