The dual vehicle of politics and art: an exploration of Chinese animation in the ‘Seventeen Years’ period (1949–1966)

Abstract

This article investigates the evolution of Chinese animation from 1949 to 1966, analyzing the complex interplay between politics and art during the ‘Seventeen Years’ period and its influence on the unique aesthetic of Chinese animation. During this time, Chinese animation served as both a showcase of artistic value and a political tool to advance the prevailing ideology, playing a key role in broadcasting political messages and shaping the depiction of socialist individuals. Through an examination of the themes, content, and artistic styles of animations, the study reveals how artists navigated political mandates to infuse their works with national identity and cultural meanings. Despite the political constraints that limited the diversity and creativity of animation, the period's animated works fulfilled an important social role and became a source of inspiration for subsequent projects, underscoring the distinctive appeal and growth potential of Chinese animation. The study contends that exploring Chinese animation within the ‘Seventeen Years’ framework not only sheds light on the importance of animation in specific historical contexts but also offers insights into the enduring relationship between art and politics, which continues to be significant in modern animation research and creation.