Symbolic Analysis on Chinese and Malaysian Soft Sculpture During Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract

Contemporary soft sculpture, as an emerging art form, can not only show the characteristics and charm of national culture, but also play an important role in cross-cultural communication. Using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, this study provides an in-depth exploration of soft sculpture works by Chinese and Malaysian artists in the post-pandemic era. Through detailed analyses of specific works by artists from both countries, this study reveals how soft sculpture can be a powerful semiotic tool that reflects and conveys social emotions and cultural concepts in the post-pandemic era. The method of analysis is mainly based on Roland Barthes' semiotic theory: it includes an examination of the symbolic analysis, narrative structure, and cultural context of the works. Firstly, the symbolic significance of the soft sculpture is analysed by observing and describing the physical characteristics of the work. Second, the deeper cultural and social values represented by the works are explored by interpreting their themes and symbolic elements. Finally, by placing the work in a specific cultural context, it analyses how the soft sculpture reflects and responds to the social significance of the specific situation and challenges of the post-pandemic era. The results show that the soft sculptures by Chinese artists often reflect the integration and transformation of traditional Chinese culture and values, while the works by Malaysian artists show the intermingling and harmony of Malaysian multiculturalism. The works of both artists emphasised the harmonious relationship between human and nature, individual and society, tradition and modernity, and conveyed people's desire for peace, hope and future in the post-pandemic era. Overall, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the symbolic value of soft sculpture works, reveals the complex interactions between soft sculpture art and society and culture, and helps to promote the theoretical and practical development of the research field of soft sculpture and society and culture.