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Inexpressible Love: An Exploration of Chinese Intergenerational Family Relationships via Nostalgic 2D Animation

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Date

2024

Authors

Ruowen, Duanmu

Supervisor

Chen, Chen
Ung, Lesley

Item type

Dissertation

Degree name

Master of Design

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

The research looks at how hand-drawn animation can express longing for loved ones and hint at sentiments of “nostalgia.” I used a practice-based research methodology, combined with multiple methodologies, including autoethnography, contextualization, and pre-visualization, and used methods including mind mapping, field exploration, casual conversation, feedback, and storyboards to explore how to embody nostalgia through visual language and animation production processes. In terms of animation production, as a graphic designer, I try to use traditional hand-drawn animation techniques to explore the effect of a nostalgic emotional atmosphere. Based on my experience in graphic production and illustration/painting, I transformed static illustrative stories into animation to vividly convey nostalgia and longing for loved ones. Through these means, I redefine nostalgia and explore its expression in visual language and animation. This study particularly highlights the dynamic and complex nature of nostalgia. As a researcher, I understand nostalgia in the Chinese context as longing and yearning for relatives and childhood, accompanied by emotional experiences of warmth and regret. Nostalgia is not a static, single state but a process closely connected with the memories and emotional ties of loved ones, and is constantly evolving. Alongside this, the impact of traditional Chinese concepts on family models is discussed in depth. Through the lens of autoethnography, this project highlights my childhood memories. A hand-drawn animation featuring a little girl born in China's Qianxi era, it tells the story of her memories of her deceased grandfather. In general, I hoped that the little girl's regrets and longing for her grandfather would help people who live outside of their hometowns regain their emphasis on, and enhance their deep understanding of the emotional sustenance of, the family. Furthermore, this animated short film adds many elements related to traditional Chinese culture, such as sugar paintings with period characteristics and scene creation with Chinese characteristics and architectural styles, including gestural elements of ink painting. It is hoped that the nostalgic atmosphere created by the animation will particularly touch the nostalgic emotions of young (especially millennial) audiences with Asian cultural backgrounds.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/17924

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Masters Dissertations