Abstract
This paper delves into the distinctive aesthetic canons and cultural influences shaping the metaverse experience in China. The Chinese metaverse, as a strategic initiative backed by the government, has emerged as a fertile ground for the synthesis of ancient aesthetic traditions and contemporary digital innovation. By incorporating elements from classic Chinese literature, mythology, and visual arts into futuristic virtual settings, these platforms introduce a fresh visual language that challenges the predominant Western-centric models of the metaverse. This fusion of the old and the new not only reflects China’s unique cultural heritage but also positions it as a global trendsetter, with the potential to reshape the visual appeal and interactive paradigms of virtual worlds worldwide. Through a critical cultural studies lens, this paper interrogates the epistemological and methodological implications of these developments, highlighting how the Chinese metaverse’s distinctive aesthetic canons compel a reconsideration of established frameworks for understanding identity, community, and spatiality in the digital realm. The findings illuminate the metaverse’s capacity to serve as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and the internationalization of Chinese cultural narratives, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and inclusive global digital landscape.
Presenters
Vincenzo De MasiAssociate Professor, School of Culture and Creative, United International College Beijing Normal University – Hong Kong Baptist University, Guangdong, China
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Chinese Metaverse, Aesthetic Canons, Cultural Studies, Spatial Representation, Identity, Community
