Ink Wash Painting animation is not a simple stack of technical skills, but a creative practice that sculpts movement with time and composes poetry through imagery. It interprets the traditional Chinese aesthetic essence ofvivid charm and spiritual resonanceframe by frame into visible, perceptible and breathtaking light and shadow impressions.
On May 6, Dmitry Geller, renowned Russian animation director, distinguished visiting professor at Jilin Animation Institute, winner of the Golden Monkey Award for Best Animated Short Film and Best Film Award at Hiroshima International Animation Festival, visited JAI for the sixth time.
This time, he establishes an Ink Wash Painting Animation Studio to explore the artistic charm of Chinese ink aesthetics together with teachers and students of Jilin Animation Institute. They will jointly create an animated short filmShadows Disappear at Noon, which integrates fine traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge international animation concepts and innovatively presents the unique charm of Chinese ink aesthetics.
1. Origin: The Finale of the Trilogy — Exploring Form Through Ink
Since 2011, Mr. Geller and faculty and students of Jilin Animation Institute have jointly produced five outstanding animated short films. Among them,I saw mice burying a catwon the Best Film Award at the 14th Hiroshima International Animation Festival in Japan.Taking the Chinese Ink Animation Trilogy as the core creation project:
The first work10,000 Ugly Inkboltsis rooted in traditional Chinese brushwork, exploring the vitality of dots and lines.
The second workThe Diversity of Waves Under the Scrutiny of Ma Yuandraws on the ink and brush charm of water patterns from the Song Dynasty painter Ma Yuan, exploring the rhythmic resonance between sound and waves.
Now, they reunite to produceShadows Disappear at Noon,the final chapter of the trilogy. It focuses onthe form of all things — a core proposition in traditional Chinese painting’s relationship between form and spirit: form carries spirit, and spirit embodies form.
How to retain the original form of objects as well as the charm of brush strokes in dynamic ink movements? How to preserve the subtle artistic conception of Chinese ink —between likeness and unlikeness— frame by frame?
With a cross-cultural and cross-generational perspective, Mr. Geller has devoted decades to the creation of Chinese ink animation. He interprets the true spirit of ink art and follows the Eastern philosophical realm of Tao follows nature, earning high recognition from jury panels of Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Hiroshima International Animation Festival and other top global events.
2. Lecture: A Dialogue on Artistic Form
On May 7, more than 420 students from the Department of Animation Planning and Design, 2D Animation Department and New Media Animation Department attended the recruitment and creation lecture of Dmitry Geller Ink Animation Studio.
Far more than a conventional briefing, the event served as an in-depth dialogue on creative philosophy. During the lecture, Mr. Geller screened his classic short films created at Jilin Animation Institute, includingI saw mice burying a cat; The Little Pond at the Foot of the Great Wall; Fish, Swimmers and Ships; 10000 Ugly Inkblots;The Diversity of Waves Under the Scrutiny of Ma Yuan.He elaborated on the creative conception ofShadows Disappear at Noon: how to express "the form of objects" through animation language — morphological transformation, lingering afterimages, ink diffusion rhythm, or the moving trajectory of brush strokes? Behind these creations lies the philosophy of Chinese aesthetics: form is never a fixed outline, but an instant condensation of artistic charm.
Promotional Lecture
After the lecture, JAI's young instructor team for the project held an official meeting with Mr. Geller, kicking off a cross-cultural and cross-generational creative dialogue.
3. Profound Value: A Precious Practical Opportunity
The production of ink animation differs from conventional animation workflows. It requires creators to grasp the artistic conception beyond brush strokes and appreciate lingering charm before ink dries. It demands a thorough understanding of ink rendering, respect for blank space aesthetics, and insight into the inner spiritual power behind every brush line. Such perception can only be truly acquired in real creation practice and through the mentorship of a master.
Dmitry Geller Ink Animation Studio offers students three irreplaceable gains:
Enrich Professional Portfolio:Fully participate in the complete production process of an international-level animated short film during campus study, experience the team collaboration mode of international project-based art creation, and gain access to global animation festival awards.
Cultural Innovation Exploration:Reinterpret traditional Chinese ink aesthetic concepts such as structural brushwork and vivid artistic charm with international animation language, creating a new visual grammar of ink art instead of simply copying ancient paintings.
Broaden Cross-cultural Vision:Learn from a Russian animation director who has observed and interpreted Eastern aesthetics with a sharp and pure perspective for decades. Witness the collision and integration of art across cultures and generations.
Tips:Junior students can apply for professional course credit replacement after admission; freshmen and sophomores can participate in spare time and vacations, and apply for innovation credits in accordance with the university’s relevant regulations.
Recruitment Information
Studio Name: Ink Wash Painting Animation Studio
Creation Period: May 6 – August 5, 2026
Film Title: Shadows Disappear at Noon
Duration: Over 5 minutes
Recruitment Quota: 16 In-between & Key Animators; 8 Art Designers; 6 Compositors
Recruitment Requirements: Passion for animation creation, solid professional competence, comprehensive literacy, rigorous work attitude, innovative thinking and good teamwork spirit. Candidates with traditional Chinese painting and ink art background are preferred under equal conditions.
Application Method: Send your resume, portfolio and contact information to the email: 877036998@qq.com
Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
Shadows Disappear at Noon carries a quiet Zen philosophy in its title, yet its creation requires full devotion and passion.
We are looking forward to your joining us to complete the final chapter of the Chinese Ink Animation Trilogy with Mr. Geller, and leave a quiet ink mark on your own animation career path.
