Special Topics • Chinese Literature and Art 2024

■ Art Industry in 2024:A Panoramic Ecology Driven by Multidimensional Innovation （PP. 4–15）Xiang Yong

Abstract: In 2024, art industry played an increasingly important role in the national economy and has become an important way to satisfy people's pursuit of a better life. Art industry encompasses many aspects such as art creation, art production, art dissemination, art circulation and art consumption, including literature, performing arts, visual arts, film and television arts, media arts, digital arts and other categories. The art industry in 2024 has experienced structural adjustment and cyclical fluctuations, and has demonstrated significant innovative value in six dimensions of content creativity, channel promotion, marketing, organizational management, overseas dissemination and policy governance, showing a panoramic ecology in which cyclical fluctuations and structural adjustment coexist in the field of art industry.

Keywords: art industry in 2024, multidimensional innovation, cyclical fluctuation, structural adjustment, panoramic ecology

■ Network Literary and Arts in 2024:New Breakthroughs in Boundary Breaking, Immersion Experiences, and Industrialization （PP. 16–28）Yu Jianxiang

Abstract: In 2024, the 17th "Five-One Project" Award included "Internet Literature and Art" as a seperate category under the "Outstanding Work Award", marking a significant milestone in the development of network literature and arts. During 2024, China's network literature and arts has achieved remarkable success not only in IP adaptations and cross-platform collaborations, such as drama-variety and film-TV drama, but also in interdisciplinary integration with traditional Chinese culture, cultural tourism, education, and health management, seeking new opportunities through boundary breaking innovation. Empowered by technological advancements, immersive and innovative works have surged, enriching content creation and distrubition channels in network literature and art while also enhancing user experience. As for all these developments, the industrialization of network literature and art is the foundation. In 2024, China's network literature and art industry maintained the development trend towards competitive, attributing to the continuous optimization of production methods and the continuous expansion of overseas markets.

Keywords: network literary and arts in 2024, boundary breaking, immersion, industrialization

■ Art's Theory in 2024:Promoting the Independent Theoretical Construction in A Multi-dimensional Way （PP.29–43）Lu Wenchao

Abstract: In 2024, the development of Art's Theory generally manifested itself in five aspects. In the field of art theory, the discussion of basic theory and basic issues has been strengthened, and the discipline's foundation has been further consolidated. In the field of art criticism, the practice of independent art criticism has been continuously deepened, and the discursive system is further constructed. In the field of art history, the writing and reflection of Chinese art history has made remarkable achievements, and the new picture has been further painted. In the field of interdisciplinary studies, anthropology of art, sociology of art and geography of art have all deepened the understanding of the relationship between art, culture, society and geographical environment, and the new perspective has been further developed. In the field of art and technology, creative studies of AI art, digital art, video games and other phenomena have been made, and the new traits of the integration between art and technology are further revealed. Overall, the main theme of Art's Theory in 2024 is to promote the construction of independent theoretical construction in a multi-dimensional way, showing a good situation in which the interdisciplinary studies are developed on the basis of strengthening the theory, and the independent system is constructed in the face of art's reality.

Keywords: art theory, art criticism, art history, art interdisciplinary studies, art and technology

■ Design in 2024:Innovative Leading and Daily Remodeling of New Productivity （PP. 44–54）Yin Bo

Abstract: In 2024, Chinese design, guided by the development of new productivity, has made important achievements in key design fields such as heavy equipment. The open and ecological service industrial mechanism has been further improved, and the design practice of the public participating in and focusing on the construction of life situation has developed to a deep level. It has realized the multi-dimensional construction of national economy and people's livelihood, the deep integration of science and art, and the further improvement of life practice and cultural pursuit, showing a new look and vitality of China's design development.

Keywords: design, new productivity, traditional culture, art, situation

■ Aesthetics in 2024:Steadily Advancing the Construction of the Aesthetic System with Chinese Characteristics （PP. 55–68）Lin Lin

Abstract: In 2024, Chinese aesthetics actively responded to the national requirement of "accelerating the construction of philosophical and social sciences with Chinese characteristics", devoted itself to the construction of a system of aesthetics with Chinese characteristics in the perspective of the community of shared future for humanity. It has also deepened the research on the principles of aesthetics in order to consolidate the foundation of the systematic construction, drew on the essence of the thought of ancient Chinese aesthetics, excavated in depth the distinctive and identifying intellectual theory of Chinese aesthetics and the logical mechanism of their categorical system. It explored and broadened the research paradigm of the history of Chinese aesthetics and local culture, and at the same time, interacted and learned from foreign aesthetics, proactively responded to the academic challenges posed by AI technology and so on. All the above has demonstrated distinctive characteristics of the times and innovative vitality, highlighted the vitality and depth of the discipline of aesthetics, and provided the wisdom of Chinese aesthetics for the development of human civilization and education in the new situation.

Keywords: aesthetics in 2024, construction of discursive system, aesthetic theory, new challenges in the AI era

Diverse and Extensive Art Phenomena

■ From Mountains to Earth:Wang Yangming's Thought on Aesthetic Education of Personality and Its Modern Revelation （PP. 69–83）Wang Deyan

Abstract: This article examines the characteristics and significance of Wang Yangming's thought on aesthetic education in the context of the development of the spirit of Chinese aesthetic education. Wang Yangming's idea of aesthetic education is consistent with the spirit of traditional Chinese rituals and music, and its core is in the cultivation of ideal personality, i.e., the aesthetic education of personality. Wang's thought on the aesthetic education of personality embodies its own characteristics in three aspects. In the theory of the realm of life, Wang Yangming's recognition and pursuit of the realm of the "maverick with a wild and uninhibited spirit" and "a state of spiritual freedom that is unencumbered by desires" made the people in the school of thought extraordinary and distinctive, and also influenced the theory of childlike innocence, the theory of the spirituality of nature, and the theory of the nature of emotion in literary arts. In the theory of ideal personality, Wang, through the exposition of the realm of "oneness of all things (all things are one, without distinction or difference)" and "the theory of the saint's color (the saint's inner purity and spirituality)", made the saints go from the mountains to the earth and become mortals, while the mortals became saints, and the proposition of "all the people in the street are saints" appeared. At the same time, in terms of the standard of aesthetic education, the proposition of "sharing the same virtues with foolish men and women (Any foolish person has intuitive knowledge and abilities)" was put forward, reflecting the universality and equality of aesthetic education. In the theory of aesthetic education, Wang put forward the idea of "Achievement with Talent (making one's achievement according to his talent)", which transformed the educational principle of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude from centering on the educator and the provider to centering on the "talent", and put forward a series of propositions of aesthetic education for children on the basis of fully respecting children's physical and mental characteristics, accomplishing the "discovery of children" in the history of aesthetic education. Wang Yangming's idea of personality-based aesthetic education was part of the trend of folklorization, popularization and universalization of aesthetic education in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it was also an important force in promoting the direction of the spirit of aesthetic education, which has also rich instructive significance for today's aesthetic education.

Keywords: Wang Yangming, spirit of rites and music, maverick with a wild and uninhibited spirit, oneness of all things, achievement with talent, children's aesthetic education

■ Trapped and Breakthrough:Instant Pleasure, Anxiety Experience and Healing Strategies in Micro-Short Dramas （PP. 84–96）Chu Xiaomeng

Abstract: In recent years, binge-watching micro-short dramas has become an integral part of people's daily leisure activities. As a vibrant and promising emerging form of network literature and art, micro-short dramas continue the sense of pleasure in network literature, showcasing typical characteristics in plot patterns, narrative routines and character settings. These dramas craft a psychological escape, offering viewers a temporary reprieve from real-life challenges. Driven by the logic of dromology, the production mechanism of micro-short dramas enhances the sensory experience at a visual level, presenting new characteristics in story rhythm, operation mode, and viewing mode, thereby delivering instantaneous experiences to audiences. However, after watching, viewers are often re-ensnared by anxiety, addicted to spiritual illusions, lost in fleeting experiences, ultimately leading to aesthetic fatigue. To address these issues, we need to seek remedies from multiple dimensions, create micro-short dramas that are both enjoyable and valuable. By continuously expanding the industrial landscape, cultivating a robust ecosystem along with a favorable development environment, we aim to bridge viewers' anxiety experiences and promote the healthy and sustainable development of micro-short dramas.

Keywords: micro-short drama, instant pleasure, dromology, anxiety, remedy, network literature and art

Art Beyond China

■ American Literary and Art Research Organizations and Their Operational Mechanisms （PP. 97–110）Zou Li and Yang Jiayi

Abstract: At present, the center of world literary criticism and production is gradually shifting from Europe to North America, and in this process, American literary and art research organizations play an important role. This article respectively examines the operational mechanisms of language and literature organizations, art organizations and interdisciplinary literary organizations in the United States, with the aim of providing references for the development of China's literary and art undertakings and the international dissemination of Chinese literary and art thoughts. It argues that American literary and art research organizations not only attach importance to providing scholars and students with essential academic resources and facilities in related fields, but also focus on setting up and promoting research awards, which encourage and cultivate scholarship to grow. Additionally, they focus on constructing a multi-level and multi-dimensional organizational structure that provide inclusive opportunities to both international and domestic racial and social groups, as well as hold annual conferences and publish journal for scholars to communicate with each other. Such operational mechanism not only enables scholars and graduate students in the United States and internationally to form a free and mutually promoting academic community, but also brings a sense of belonging to members from various fields and countries. Therefore, it contributes effectively to promoting the development of literary research and literary production in the United States.

Keywords: American literary and artistic research organization, operational mechanism, community, humanities research, interdisciplinary

Interview with Renowned Experts

■ Creating New Ideas within the Framework of Laws, and Conveying Subtle Principles beyond Uninhibited Expressions: An Interview with Zhou Zhentian, An All-around Playwright （PP. 111–122）Interviewed by Zhang Cheng

Inside Front Cover 

Chinese Literary Critics: Sun Yu

Inside Back Cover

Recommendation of Important Academic Organizations in Literary and Art Theory and Criticism：Chinese Association for Theory and Literature and Art

Back Cover 

Poster for the Release Ceremony of the Premium Selections in the conference of 4th Online Literary and Art Criticism