Taoist Philosophical Implications and Artistic Expressions of Human-Animal Relationships in Chinese Paintings
Abstract
Since ancient times, the evolution of human culture and ideas has revolved around the link between humans and animals. However, how human-animal imagery in traditional art incorporates Daoist philosophy and informs modern ecological aesthetics remains a study subject deserving of thorough investigation against the dual backdrop of present ecological crises and cultural modernization. The purpose of this study is to investigate, from a Daoist philosophical perspective, the philosophical implications and artistic manifestations of human-animal connections in Chinese painting. This study uses a thorough methodology that combines interdisciplinary research, picture analysis, and literature review. It examines the influence of Daoist concepts such as “following the way of nature(道法自然),” “non-action(无为),” and “The unity of Heaven and humanity(天人合一)” on artistic creation; traces the evolutionary trajectory of human-animal relationships from primitive totems and religious symbols to modern ecological art; and reveals how Daoist thought shapes artistic expressions of ecological consciousness, equality of life, and spiritual symbiosis within Chinese painting. Findings reveal that the cosmology and philosophy of life inherent in Daoist thought enable Chinese painting to transcend anthropocentrism, forming an artistic ethic centered on respect, coexistence, and balance. This paper offers profound cultural insights for contemporary ecological civilization development.
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