Immersive Ink-and-wash Landscape Design in Multimedia for Art Therapy

This study integrates traditional Chinese ink-and-wash painting with multimedia technology to create immersive ink-and-wash landscape animations. The study explores the psychological intervention effects of these animations on individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, a qualitative research methodology is employed, examining the fundamental theories and key issues of art therapy and patient psychology within the context of art therapy. A mixed-methods design was adopted, utilizing a specialized hospital as the implementation site for case studies. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients, and three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) ink-and-wash animations were developed based on their needs. A survey questionnaire was administered to 50 participants, and the results demonstrate that the application of immersive ink-and-wash animations in art therapy exhibits positive therapeutic effects. Among the 50 participants, anxiety scores decreased from 10.26 to 7.58 (a 26.1% reduction) after the intervention, and depression scores decreased from 11.14 to 8.36 (a 25.0% reduction), significantly improving their emotional states. Additionally, patients generally provided positive feedback on the natural imagery, traditional elements, and soft color tones within the ink-and-wash animations. Notably, middle-aged and elderly groups showed the most significant effects in terms of emotional regulation and psychological comfort. This study demonstrates that immersive art scenes, which merge traditional Chinese ink-and-wash aesthetics with digital multimedia technology, can effectively alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. These scenes possess high emotional regulation value and cross-population adaptability, offering an innovative pathway for digital art therapy within an Eastern cultural context.