XieYi's legacy in the context of the challenges of the fourth technological revolution

Li Chzhoi ORCID: 0009-0001-8869-788X Lecturer; Faculty of Virtual Reality; Hebei Oriental University (China) postgraduate student; Faculty of Culture and Arts; Trans-Baikal State University 125 Babushkina str., office 60, Chita, Zabaikalsky Krai, 672000, Russia jjjjjuly17@yandex.ru

Introduction

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of new technologies (such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, large databases and blockchain) on traditional Chinese Xie yi art, its forms, methods of creation, distribution, consumption and preservation in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. It is considered how traditional art can preserve its cultural characteristics and receive a new impetus for development, using modern technologies for the global dissemination of spiritual and cultural values that enrich modern society.

The Chinese art of Xie yi is an important part of the traditional culture of China and has deep significance. It is not only an artistic form, but also a philosophical system that incorporates the ideas of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The art of Se-i pays great attention to the content of the work and aims to find "images beyond images and meanings beyond meanings." The Fourth Industrial Revolution brought new tools and means for creativity, allowing art to overcome the limitations of the traditional two-dimensional plane and diversify the forms of artistic expression, contributing to the innovative development of culture and art.

The degree of scientific elaboration of the problem

Chinese traditional painting is widely covered in scientific and popular literature. It has been studied most widely by Chinese authors, on whose works the author of the article mainly relies. Among the English-language sources, the works of such authors as L. Ashton, D. Clarke, R.L. Hobson, J. Rowley and others should be noted ^[1-4].

The most in-depth Russian studies of Chinese painting were conducted by N.A. Vinogradova, E.V. Zavadskaya, V.V. Malyavin, T.A. Postrelova ^[5-8]. These publications describe in detail the history of the development of painting, its pictorial features, and an overview of the work of outstanding Chinese artists of different eras. The cultural analysis of traditional Chinese Gohua painting is presented in the monograph by N.F. Yakovleva and Yu.V. Ivanova, which highlights not only the history and theory of Gohua, but also its role in modern Chinese culture.^[9]

Despite the abundance of sources on traditional Chinese painting in the world scientific literature, its latest state and development trends in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have not yet received sufficient coverage, which makes the proposed aspect of the topic relevant.

Traditional Chinese Xie yi painting, as one of the main varieties or manners of traditional Chinese Guohua painting (along with Gong bi), is a unique artistic form of fine art with a vivid national flavor. The image in gohua is formed by a line and a spot on a neutral background, giving the impression of unlimited space. Brush, ink and water paints with mineral and vegetable pigments are used to create poetic or grotesque images on paper or silk. These hygroscopic materials contribute to the watercolor spreading of paint, the formation of unique decorative effects. The looseness and fragility of the paper requires the subsequent design of the painting – gluing on a thick paper or fabric base and forming into a vertical or horizontal scroll. By changing the strength, speed and angle of brush touch, as well as the density and humidity (degree of dilution) of the paint, the artist conveys a variety of tones and textures, space and movement of the depicted objects. If Gong-bi (literally "careful brush") is a slow drawing, attentive to small details, then Se-yi is a more free, rapid, generalized, almost abstract painting.

The art of Xie yi is deeply imbued with the philosophical and aesthetic ideas of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, the synthesis of which determined the development of national characteristics of Chinese art, aesthetic tastes and artistic preferences ^[11].

Fig. 1. The author of the article is working on the painting in the manner of Se-I.

The art of Se-i strives to create an artistic image based on the harmony of form and content, focusing on "images beyond images" and "meanings beyond meanings."^[12] The term "Se-i" is translated as "expression of an idea": this pictorial manner is not limited to external similarity to the object, it it should convey to the viewer the inner essence of natural motifs, convey the mood and thoughts of the artist. In Chinese aesthetics, Xie yi is expressed in an emphasis on the "spirit" of an aesthetic object, understood as part of a living space.^[13] Se-i is not just a visual art, it is a bridge for communication between the viewer and the artist. Xie yi unites three noble Chinese arts, which were owned by the educated classes: painting, poetry and calligraphy. In addition to the image itself, it is customary to include poetic lines written in beautiful hieroglyphs and facsimile prints of the artist's personal seals in red ink in the composition of the painting. According to the canons, Chinese Xie yi artists should draw inspiration from nature, but ultimately express spiritual aspirations, inner feelings and philosophical reflections in their works, following the principle of "learn from nature from the outside, find a source in the heart." ^[14]

Fig. 2. Paintings painted by the author of the article in the manner of the

I. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the sphere of influence of Modern art

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the concept of which was developed by the German economist Klaus Schwab (2015), represents a new era of social development characterized by a high degree of interconnectedness, intellectualization and automation, which leads to a deep integration of digital, physical and biological spaces. These technologies not only increase productivity and reduce waste, but also contribute to the complete transition of information processing from traditional fixed models to the era of mobile interaction. The cultural significance of the fourth Industrial Revolution lies primarily in changing the worldview. From the point of view of social philosophy, the understanding of cultural processes is a theoretical reflection of real life. In the relationship between the industrial revolution and culture, technological changes stimulate changes in the division of labor and industrial relations, which inevitably affects the content and forms of culture. ^[15]

The technological innovations brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution provided artists with rich tools and means for creativity, allowing them to overcome the limitations of traditional art and explore new forms of expression and methods of creating artistic works. This integration of digital, physical and biological spaces has not only enriched the forms of artistic expression, but also given art a more important and multifaceted role in modern society. The style of Xie yi is widely used in modern cultural industries in China: for example, in fashion, graphic design, museum business, theater, cinema. Many Chinese animated films are made in the traditions of Xie yi with their graphic laconism, nostalgic poetry and humor (for example, "Tadpoles are looking for Mom", "Shepherd's Flute", "Clothes of a Hundred Birds", "Crane and Clam Fight", "Three Monks", "Little Swallow", "Monkeys Catch the Moon in the well"). Digital technologies enhance the expressiveness and interactivity of the art of Art, changing the cultural content and contributing to its dissemination and intercultural interaction.

The modern search for the possibilities of synthesizing art with digital technologies

Currently, art is naturally influenced by digital art. Advanced computer technologies and software tools facilitate the implementation of complex creative ideas of artists. For example, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies allow viewers to perceive works of art in a new way, enhancing interactivity and the effect of immersion (an artificial state of consciousness in which the subject's self-awareness of his physical condition changes). With these technologies, artists can create forms that go beyond traditional two-dimensional painting, giving viewers the opportunity to freely explore and interact with virtual spaces, interpreting works of art based on their cultural baggage and life experience.

The immersiveness and interactivity of virtual reality allows the viewer to be inside a work of art and interact directly with it. Some researchers suggest measuring the VR effect using three main variables: environmental plausibility (Pi), event consistency (Psi), and first-person perspective (virtual body ownership), with the latter factor being the most important ^[16]

An example is the work of the Chinese Academy of Arts "Notes on a journey through the mountains", based on the masterpiece of the famous artist Huang Gongwang "Fuchun Mountains". The digital animation of the painting uses the three-dimensional spatial concept of Chinese painting. Digital animation allows viewers to literally "travel" through the painting, changing the traditional forms of perception of art and opening up new perspectives for the spread of culture.

Fig. 3. A frame from the film of the Chinese Academy of Fine Arts, Institute of Innovative Design "Notes on a trip through the mountains"

Today, thanks to the progress of computer technology and software, forms of expression and tools of artistic creation are constantly being updated, but even in the conditions of the diversity of modern art, traditional national symbols retain their cultural significance. Chinese Xie yi painting is not only a technique, but also a symbol of national culture. The priority of the idea, the expressiveness of the interaction of water and ink form the essence of the painting of Se-I. As Fei Xiaotong figuratively put it, art must be deeply rooted in the cultural soil of its people; deprived of cultural roots, art loses its foundation and direction, like a kite torn from a thread. ^[17]

New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and blockchain have a profound impact on the ways culture is created, distributed, consumed and protected, especially in the field of traditional arts. Generative models of artificial intelligence are designed to create new content in the form of written text, audio, images or video, and transform the ways customers and employees interact with technology. Generative AI technologies expand the possibilities of artistic creativity. The process of generating traditional culture using AI can be viewed from the point of view of the theory of "rhizome" by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari as a poststructuralist decentralized system consisting of a combination of heterogeneous elements, connections and multiplicity.

AI content generation expands the boundaries and forms of artistic creation by simulating the process of human artist's work and using huge datasets to create new works based on textual description. This significantly increases the effectiveness of artistic creation, as well as expands the imagination and creativity of artists. However, when evaluating works created with the help of AI, difficult questions arise about the essence of art and culture, including the question: who is the main author of the work — the artist or the AI? If we talk about it as an art of expressing human emotions, then it is the artist who should remain the key author.

Technology has a significant impact on the form of creation and presentation of Se-i art. For an artist, when creating works, it is important to follow his idea, and not be limited to a formal structure. As a national and niche humanistic art, Se-i faces the risks of using generative AI, including systematic errors in automated solutions reflecting the organization of work with data, inherited historical context and human biases. In spreading traditional culture, it is necessary to take into account the seemingly simple facts that AI is not capable of loving, that people have feelings, and culture has meaning.^[18]. When using new technologies, special attention should be paid to their humanistic component in order to ensure the harmonious development of technology and culture.

An important task of modern art is the synthesis of traditional national symbols with modern forms of artistic expression. Innovative technologies provide a rich arsenal of tools and means for creativity, but these tools and means alone cannot replace the content of traditional culture. By combining traditional ink and water techniques and ways of expressing ideas with modern concepts of creativity and forms of artistic expression, artists can preserve the essence of traditional culture. For example, the imitation of ink movement on rice paper in digital painting, attention to imagery, or the inclusion of elements of traditional calligraphy in modern art installations are a useful experience of combining tradition and modernity.

II. Technological innovations as an opportunity to spread "borrowings" in art

In the context of the fourth technological revolution, time and space are becoming more flexible, and data volumes are rapidly increasing, which significantly expands the horizons and forms of artists' creativity. With the use of artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to collect a huge amount of data in a short time and use machine learning and deep learning technologies to create new art forms. For example, AI can analyze a large number of artworks, study the styles of various artists, and then generate new paintings. These works contain features of the style of famous artists, but at the same time they have originality, a bizarre mixed style. Such cooperation between man and machine not only expands the boundaries of artistic creativity, but also calls into question traditional ideas about art and creativity.

The rapid development of technological tools and digital technologies is radically changing many industries, especially fine arts and design. The advent of digital technologies is breaking down traditional industry barriers, significantly lowering the threshold for entry into these areas. These transformations not only affect the internal ecosystem of industries, but also change the social value of creative work and professional skills of the artist. Previously, professional skills were the basis of competitiveness in the field of design and painting, but now the use of digital technologies, for example, neural networks, makes these skills less unique.

Such borrowing affects the modern way of life and thinking, making information more transparent, speeding up iterative processes and focusing on the use of digital technologies. This leads to problems in the field of copyright (creation and use of works of art, computer programs and databases), as well as the need to find a balance between technology and art. Modern people's lives are becoming more competitive and fast, leaving no time for contemplation and deep reflection.

In the context of the development of intelligent technologies, pressure from society and the acceleration of the pace of life, some artists may pay more attention to the market value of their works and the preferences of the audience. Excessive fascination with visual effects and techniques can lead to an underestimation of the spiritual content and emotional expressiveness of artistic works, to a loss of individuality and independence in creativity. As a result, works of art become empty and soulless, art turns into a "competition" that has nothing to do with creativity. The great French philosopher of the 20th century, Jean-Paul Sartre, stated that "the dazzling sensual form of a work often overshadows its "essence as created", and we take these "beautiful in themselves" forms for the essence of the work, forgetting about the true "existence of the work". We can say bluntly that a work of art is something unreal."^[19]

Artistic creation, whether it is painting, music, literature or theater, is a process of deep understanding and expression of emotions. With their works, artists should receive a response from the viewer, evoke emotional empathy. This process is based not only on the aesthetic perception of external artistic forms, but also on the understanding of the life of society and the problems of humanism. According to Du Jiandong and Sun Dongyao, the true value of art lies in this dual aesthetics, which is able to constantly expand the boundaries of human emotions and understanding, guiding the viewer through time and spatial constraints and immersing the work into the world of emotions. ^[20] Through this emotional contact and experience, works of art provide not only visual aesthetic pleasure, but also emotions and wisdom, providing people with an opportunity for spiritual solitude and emotional self-expression that transcends reality. Art that is created exclusively by artificial intelligence can carry coldness and alienation, losing its artistic value. In the art of Xie yi, which grew up on the basis of Chinese traditional culture, the idea of the work is dominant, its absence devalues art. Therefore, in the context of a technological boom and a rapidly changing society, it is important to preserve the basic principles of artistic creativity in order not to lose its essence.

Preservation of the ideological content of works

In modern artistic creativity, the originality of the manner and the expression of the artist's individuality are significant criteria for the value of his works. In an era of expanding the influence of digital data, artists must protect their thoughts and spiritual aspirations from unification. Each person, as an independent person, perceives the world in different ways in different conditions, forming his own system of perception and assessment of reality. The essence of art is to convey the emotions and thoughts of the artist, so it should not be subordinated to technology. You can't "see mountains just like mountains, and water just like water." ^[21] Artists should listen to themselves, use their thoughts and emotions as the basis of creativity, and regard digital technologies only as a tool that helps to better express their inner world. The classical spirit of Se-i, rooted in traditional culture, is transformed in the modern world into the modern spirit of Se-i, which becomes a spiritual support in the conditions of rapid development of society and technological flow.

The essence of Xie yi, according to its founders, for example, the Chinese poet and artist Su Shi (1037-1101), consists not in painting itself, but in the inability to accept worldly laws and the expression of so-called "untimely" emotions. This is what constitutes the "spirit of Se-i". Historical experience shows that the "idea" of Se-i is not an everyday, beautiful or harmonious emotion typical of ordinary calligraphic and pictorial works, but indicates emotions that contradict the social and cultural environment, with a critical and rebellious character. ^[22]

Chinese painting, especially Xie yi, requires emotional sensitivity, intelligence, comprehensive education, developed artistic skills and knowledge of traditional culture, therefore great masters such as Qi Baishi and Huang Binhong perfectly knew classical prose, poetry and music, which make up the cultural background of the artist and impart meaningful depth to the works. In the age of technology, with all the changes in form, one must not lose cultural roots.

III. Global development of "Ce-I" in the context of technological innovations

Traditional Chinese art should be actively transmitted, as it has an undeniable current value. In order to properly solve the problem of modern inheritance of traditional Chinese art, it is necessary to reconsider the interaction of technology and art. ^[23] In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies, the cultural and artistic sphere is undergoing unprecedented changes. New technologies provide unlimited opportunities for creativity and cultural dissemination, as well as facilitate the penetration of foreign cultures and their interaction with local culture. Chinese painting also faces the possibilities of bifurcation development and the need to preserve the canonical foundations in the context of cultural exchange.

Technological innovations open up new opportunities for global promotion and intercultural exchange for the art, allowing, for example, to simulate the traditional effects of spreading ink and immersing viewers in unique worlds. This makes art more accessible and understandable for viewers with different cultural backgrounds. Thanks to the Internet and social networks, works of art can be instantly distributed around the world, gaining global fame and creating new opportunities for interaction with audiences, mutual learning and exchange of opinions of artists from different countries.

Intercultural communication preserves the diversity and dialogicity of different cultures, promotes cultural exchange and consensus building. ^[24] When using new technologies to create and distribute works in the style of art, it is important for artists to ensure that innovations convey deep cultural roots and emotional saturation. In the future, as technology continues to progress (improvements in computer software, artificial intelligence, virtual reality technologies, etc.), Xie yi will receive increasing recognition and love around the world, developing more diverse forms of expression, such as interactive art and virtual tours, which will provide viewers with a rich artistic experience. Thus, the Se-i will continue to exist not only as an authentic art form, but also as a cultural phenomenon with a deep global influence, and will be able to acquire greater vitality and adaptability. As Heidegger said, technology is not just a means, it also reveals the way a person exists. ^[25]

Fig. 4. The project of a virtual gallery of Se-i art, created by a student of the author of the article under his guidance

However, the spread of technology also raises certain concerns. As you know, traditional artistic techniques, including the Se-i, require long-term training, accumulation of knowledge and skills, and the development of cultural heritage. Now fast and convenient digital methods are emerging, for example, chatbots and neural networks that help any user in the production of artistic products. By embarking on such an easy path that does not require cultural growth and professional development, many young artists lose the ability to create independently, lose the ideological depth of their works. The artistic community expresses concerns about this, since the need for the professions of an artist and designer is being questioned, in which a person is already significantly inferior to a computer in labor productivity. Cultural contradictions and conflicts arise between unified requirements and a variety of development paths. ^[26] The key problem of our time is finding a balance between innovation and the preservation of traditions.

To find this balance, in our opinion, it is necessary to take the following measures. First, art education should pay more attention to the inner content and spirit of Chinese Xie yi painting, encouraging young artists to master cultural values and classical techniques. Conducting master classes on traditional painting canons and teaching students by master Guohua can contribute to the careful transfer and renewal of artistic techniques. For example, the Beijing Art Academy conducts courses on Se-yi education, giving young people the opportunity to personally familiarize themselves with the work of a recognized artist and learn from him the principles of traditional painting.

Secondly, digital technologies are useful for recording and preserving the processes of creating Chinese Xie Yi paintings. With the help of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, it is possible to demonstrate the best achievements of the Se-i, attracting more people to study and understand this art. For example, the Beijing Gugong Museum uses VR technology so that viewers can fully immerse themselves in exploring the details of ancient calligraphic and pictorial works.

Thirdly, it is necessary to promote the unification of traditional techniques and modern technologies in the search for new ideas and creative inspiration. For example, combining Chinese Xie-yi painting and digital painting can lead to the creation of relevant works that are interesting for young people and other groups of the population.

Conclusion

Art plays an important role in modern society. In conditions of rapid technological development, it can be better preserved and transmitted thanks to digital technologies for recording the process of creating an artistic work. In a modern society filled with stress and financial worries, the existential spirit of the Family becomes the support of a person, providing him with a corner of peace of mind. Thanks to the Internet and social media, Xie Yi's art is spreading rapidly around the world, strengthening its global influence, strengthening the cultural identity and confidence of the Chinese nation, and promoting intercultural exchange and integration.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution brought fundamental changes not only to the ways of production, but also to public consciousness. The rapid development of technology has led to significant changes in various aspects of human life, forcing us to reconsider the relationship between man and nature, man and society, as well as man and technology. The cultural significance of the fourth industrial Revolution lies, first of all, in the transformation of the content of culture and the worldview of people. This is manifested in changes in production methods, contradictions between technology and cultural heritage, the expansion of forms of cultural dissemination, as well as conflicts between globalization and ethnic cultures.

Chinese art is experiencing an unprecedented impact of technological culture and is forced to solve the problem of using technology only as a means of renewal and development, preserving national roots and humanistic spirit in the context of globalization and cultural diversity. This not only contributes to the revival of Xie yi art, providing a perfect combination of tradition and modernity, but also opens up new opportunities for the popularization of Chinese culture on a global level.

Technological innovations have brought new themes and ways of thinking to traditional art, providing artists with convenient tools and platforms for creativity. However, in the process of mastering innovations, it is especially important to preserve the basic ideas and technical features of traditional Se-i painting, which has a national flavor and expresses the emotions and thoughts of the artist. Therefore, the use of new technologies requires the artist to take measures to avoid excessive dependence on technical means and preserve the national characteristics of the art of the Se-i.

The creation of works using digital technologies and their demonstration with the help of network capabilities and virtual reality should be aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural content of the painting, preserving its unique value and cultural heritage.

Technological innovations in the art of the Se-i in the modern era, the renewal of plots, the emergence of new schools and talented artists – all this can become a topic for further research of the ancient, but always young art of the Se-i.