When Canvas Meets Screen: The Artistic Connection Between the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts and Animated Films

The decorative arts philosophy of the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts (now the Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University) previously infused countless classic Chinese animated works with soul. In this interview, we will follow renowned painter Liu Jude to explore the deep-rooted connections between artists from the academy and the creation of animated films: from Zhang Guangyu’s principle of “highlighting righteousness from the extraordinary” to Zhang Ding’s transformation of folk art; from the creative details of Liu Jude’s Jiazi Saves the Deer to the behind-the-scenes reflections during the design period of Hailibu…

This lecture will guide you through Liu Jude’s artistic journey, illustrating how he has developed a unique visual thinking in both teaching and creation. You will learn how the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts has centered its curriculum around “practical arts” and developed a teaching system that integrates national traditions with modern concepts. Additionally, we will explore the connections between artists, such as Zhang Guangyu, Zhang Ding, Jiang Tiefeng, Han Meilin, Liu Shaohui, and Liu Jude, and animated film creation. You will also have the chance to hear Liu Jude recount the creative stories behind Jiazi Saves the Deer and Hailibu, walking back into the era of hand-drawn animation.