Application and Impact of Digital Archaeological Techniques in the Reinterpretation of Dunhuang Murals

Abstract

The digital revolution has emerged as a transformative force in fundamentally reimagining and reshaping the interpretation of classical art. Employing an exploratory observational method, this study investigates the intersection between digital technology and modern engagement with cultural heritage. The paper delves into the profound impact of the digital renaissance on the reinterpretation of ancient murals at the Dunhuang heritage site in China. The case study reveals that digital environments have significantly altered the narrative tapestry of classical art, facilitating its transmission to digital natives through innovative digital preservation and promotion methods. Furthermore, it discovers that the intensive representation of classical art in social media environments, enabled by technical affordances, has introduced captivating visual storytelling, offering immersive experiences for users and allowing them to reinterpret ancient relics and associated socio-cultural aesthetics. Hybrid digital environments have fostered a cross-cultural synthesis of ancient art interpretations, with virtual representations rekindling user connections with heritage through shared cultural narrativity in the digital era.