Ying Zhang is a Doctoral Researcher in the School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University, intensely interested in Animation and Illustration. After completing her Master's degree, she worked as a Lecturer in Digital Media Arts for several years, teaching courses related to 3D Animation design and commercial Illustration design. She published several articles on Chinese academic platforms and participated in three research projects on pedagogical reform during tenure. Her current PhD research focuses on the development of Chinese traditional Animation and Disney Animation from a feminist perspective.
In recent years, various Animated films and television works have emerged that focus on the overall fate of women, reflect their living situation, and encourage them to fight for their rights bravely. The rise of feminist thought has not only enriched gender theory but also brought about the liberation of women's thoughts and a change in the societal view of women. These changes are also expected to be reflected in the portrayal of female images in Animation. By conducting an interdisciplinary study of feminist thought and the representation of women in Animation, this research proposes a framework for shaping the female image in Chinese traditional Animation in the future. The aim is to present a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of the female image of the times and the national characteristics of China.
Supervisors: Andrew Selby and Paul Wells.