Abstract
This MPhil thesis explores the potential of wordless picture books as a medium to narrate the lived experiences of left-behind children (LBC) in China, a group significantly affected by internal migration and socio-economic disparities. The purpose of this practice-based research was to address the question: “How to tell a story about left-behind childhood through visual narratives in a wordless picture book?” The wordless picture book aimed to give a voice to left-behind children, a group underrepresented in the field of picture book illustration.Autoethnography is used to bridge personal experiences with collective cultural dynamics, offering a subjective and reflective framework that informs the creative process. Wordless picture books, as emphasized by scholars like Sandra L. Beckett and Emma Bosch, emerge as a powerful medium for transcending linguistic barriers and fostering cross-generational and cross-cultural engagement. Beckett identifies the genre’s capacity to tackle profound themes through visual storytelling, while Bosch underscores the role of peritextual elements in shaping readers’ interpretations. These insights guide the research, highlighting the potential of visual narratives to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.
The practical component of this research involves designing and producing a wordless picture book. The narrative centres on a fictional LBC protagonist in a rural Chinese setting, visually chronicling her emotional journey, seasonal landscapes, and family reunion during the Spring Festival. The creative process integrates traditional techniques, such as printmaking and papercutting, with contemporary digital drawing, aiming to craft a culturally resonant and emotionally evocative story.
An open-ended questionnaire was employed to assess the visual narrative’s effectiveness. Responses from a diverse participant group highlighted the book’s ability to elicit emotional resonance and stimulate interpretative engagement. Participants emphasized the interplay of visual elements, such as colour tones, composition, and symbolic motifs, in shaping their understanding of the story. The findings underscore the potential of wordless picture books to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding, particularly regarding underrepresented and emotionally charged themes.
This study concludes that wordless picture books represent an innovative and impactful tool for narrating the experiences of LBC, enriching both academic and creative dialogues on marginalized communities. By combining autoethnography with visual storytelling, it demonstrates how illustration can transcend textual boundaries to foster empathy, cultural understanding, and social awareness. The findings contribute to the fields of visual narrative and social advocacy by showcasing how creative methodologies can amplify underrepresented voices and engage diverse audiences. Furthermore, this research offers practical insights for illustrators and practice-based researchers interested in leveraging art to address global social issues and create inclusive narratives.
| Date of Award | Feb 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Paul Sermon (Supervisor) & Roderick Mills (Supervisor) |