Applying Balinese Philosophy 'Rwa Bineda' Concept on Character & Environment Design in 3D Animated VR Short Film "GEDE"

Abstract

A distinctive and unique conceptual character and environment design, especially in animated films, is important as to separate itself from plethora of generic animat-ed films out there. A deep understanding of local culture and how the philosophy shaped its culture could create a new way to visualize its world, and a more faithful representative of its world. In this modern era, concept about the dichotomy of positive and negative aspects is often overshadowed by western thinking of domi-nance, that one must defeat the other. Eastern thinking about this issue is somewhat different, whereas the balance between the positive and negative is a common concept in Asian cultures and society. The Balinese understood this concept as Rwa Bhineda or two opposition, where both the aspects in life must co-exist in harmony. This paper will examine how the Rwa Bhineda concept could become a theoretical foundation to design characters and environments, using animated short "Gede" as the subject matter. The story of "Gede" is based on the myth of Barong and Rangda as both mythical characters are the physical forms of Rwa Bhineda concept. We will see how the concept is applied on the worldbuilding, character proportions, gateway designs, lands layout, and character and environment visual elements. In the end, we can conclude that a good understanding of local wisdom could produce a new approach in character and environmental design.

 Keywords: Rwa Bhineda, bali, character design, environment design, animated short