This research explores the aesthetic representation of contemporary Chinese gods and monsters in animation, examining how traditional mythology, folklore, and supernatural figures are reinterpreted through modern animation. It investigates how contemporary animators combine classical narratives with current visual languages and digital technologies to create new forms of cultural expression. The study focuses on character design, narrative development, and visual representation in selected animated films and series, while also considering the artistic practices of Takashi Murakami, Shigeru Mizuki, and Guo Zikai, whose works reinterpret supernatural imagery from contemporary perspectives. The research adopts a studio practice research methodology, employing self-reflection and studio experimentation as the primary approaches to investigate and develop the creative work. As the creative component of the research, color woodblock printmaking is employed to reinterpret visual and narrative elements derived from Chinese god and monster animation. By translating these elements into the material and expressive qualities of printmaking, the research offers a new visual interpretation of the zhiguai tradition. This studio practice approach demonstrates how traditional cultural narratives can be reimagined through contemporary artistic practice, contributing to a broader understanding of the relationship between animation, printmaking, and Chinese cultural heritage.
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