Aesthetic of Metamorphosis: Revisiting the Definition of Animation from the Perspective of New Animism

Abstract

The term “animation”, derived from the Latin word “anima”, has evolved beyond its original association with animated films to encompass a wide range of fields, including games, robotics, and puppetry. With the advancement and widespread adoption of digital technology, the methods of production have diversified, occasionally crossing over between different domains. However, amidst these changes, the definition of the term has not evolved significantly. As a result, discussions about animation often involve complex notations based on different perspectives, such as genres, production materials, techniques, and concepts. This complexity requires verification for each discourse. Therefore, this paper aims to redefine animation. Drawing inspiration from the concept of new animism, it shifts the focus from the mere presence of “movement” or “life” to the formation of “personhood” and “personality” based on the inter-subjective relationship between the animated object and the observer.