From Artistic Fusion to Imagery Rebirth—The Aesthetic Construction of Chinese Paper-cut Animation Films(1958-2002)
Since the successful debut of China's first paper-cut animation film"Pigsy Eats Watermelon"in 1958,the realm of Chinese paper-cut animation has steadily evolved.From its inception,development,to full maturity,paper-cut animation has weathered technological advancements and the enduring test of time.It is characterized by a harmonious blend of"avant-garde"and"mainstream"styles,the thematic depiction of societal images of the era,and a cultural identity rooted in the"revitalization of imagery".These defining features have propelled the creations of the"Chinese animation school"to their zenith.Post-1990s,propelled by advancements in computer technologies,animation transitioned towards digital production,fostering a more diverse landscape of animated creations.Although paper-cut animation eventually waned amidst the evolving trends of the era,it continues to offer invaluable inspiration for contemporary adaptations in paper-cut style animation.