NEW DESIGN APPROACHED IN PORTRAYING CHINESE KUNGFU ANIMATION AND INTERPRETATION OF TAO PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

Chinese Kung Fu is the essence of Chinese culture, embodying both technique and philosophy. It not only strengthens the body but also cultivates the mind and "qi" (energy), symbolizing strength, balance, and harmony. It reflects the Chinese people's pursuit of both internal and external cultivation and harmony between man and nature. However, with the rapid development of society, fewer young people are willing to learn and pass on Kung Fu. With the influence of foreign martial arts, Chinese Kung Fu has in some ways become similar to other martial arts, but it requires a stronger sense of cultural identity among the Chinese people. The complexity of traditional Kung Fu techniques has, to some extent, limited the development of its form."Qi" (energy) is one of the core elements of Chinese Kung Fu. In Chinese culture, "qi" is considered a life force, symbolizing health and balance. It is an important component of both traditional philosophy and martial arts, reflecting the Chinese people's pursuit of physical strength and spiritual cultivation.The purpose of this research is to promote Taoist views of nature through the dissemination of Kung Fu, reminding the younger generation to focus on the relationship between "qi" and nature in Kung Fu, and to promote the development of Taoist natural philosophy. It also aims to encourage Kung Fu practitioners to continue valuing traditional techniques and to urge society and the government to pay more attention to the preservation of Taoist natural philosophy and Chinese traditional culture. The goals of this research are: 1. To analyze the Taoist natural philosophy in Kung Fu and organize and summarize a catalog of creative elements; 2. To extract image elements from "qi" (energy) and create a visualized animation of "qi"; 3. To propose new values for Kung Fu through the medium of animation art, spreading the Taoist view of nature.This research employs three methods. First, a literature review of the concept of "qi" (energy), field research on Chinese Kung Fu performances, and in-depth interviews with Kung Fu experts and animation production stakeholders are conducted to gather key information on the transfer of "qi" (energy) to animation art. The second method involves comparative research to analyze traditional and modern elements, with experimental expressions of "qi" in imagery. The third method is to develop designs into animated artworks incorporating imagery, sound, movement, and physical objects.The research results show that the imagery of "qi" serves as a symbol of Kung Fu and conveys Taoist culture. Animated artworks can be used as a medium to express the dynamic beauty of nature. The creation of 3D models and printed objects, and their interaction in space, can promote Taoist views of nature. The true essence of nature is a form of beauty, and Kung Fu, as an art that draws from nature, is itself a manifestation of natural beauty.

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