Visual Representation of Social Issue Themed Animal Imagery by Chinese Artists

Abstract

Artists express their observations, understanding, and questioning of society through various forms and contexts. The aim of this paper is to study the representation of social issues in artistic creation by contemporary Chinese artists through analyzing the diverse expressions of animal subjects, issues, cultural significance and artistic style. Based on content analysis methods, this study uses document analysis and artwork analysis to examine the diverse forms of animal imagery representation in artworks and their potential social significance. The analysis adopted Feldman's art criticism model to interpret the form and content to determine their social symbolic meaning. The research found that various types of animals are used as visual representations of social issues, especially the cultural, power, and economic contexts that occur in society based on artistic reflection, the experience, and the cultural values ​​of each artist. In addition, mixed media installations are a significant form of presentation in articulating expression. Furthermore, the research will broaden the interpretive perspectives of artworks, providing a new pathway of social understanding and cultural change.