An Overview of Posthumanism Research and its Significance in Chinese Art Studies

Baitian Yu
College of Fine Arts, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning, China

Abstract:

Posthumanism is one of the most significant trends in humanities disciplines in recent years. This article adopts a contextualized and systematic approach to summarize the relevant concepts and possible references of the term "posthumanism." It also highlights the promoting role of posthumanism research in the construction of contemporary Chinese art theory and discipline. Firstly, by following the research path of post-structuralism and post-essentialism, the article reinterprets the relationships between heaven and humanity and between essence and appearance in traditional Chinese culture. It emphasizes the importance of traditional culture in the development of contemporary art studies. Posthumanism-related art research can foster the formation of a Chinese interpretation that emphasizes cultural confidence and a diversified integrated framework. Secondly, through relevant research responding to posthumanist crises, philosophical propositions in the development of art studies can be combined with contemporary concrete issues. Finally, such research can propose a comprehensive notion of "art studies" through the concept of a globally multi-disciplinary university, advocating a boundaryless integration of design, art, aesthetics, and other disciplines. This emphasizes the pioneering role of Chinese art studies in the construction of new Chinese disciplines and the development of world humanities disciplines.