Visual Structure and Regional Identity in Guangfu Plaster Sculpture

Abstract

This study explores the visual structure and regional identity embedded in Guangfu plaster sculpture, a distinctive decorative art form in the Lingnan region of China. Drawing from the dimensions of compositional structure, iconographic motifs, and color systems, the research deconstructs the internal logic of Guangfu plaster’s visual language. Through a comprehensive analysis of its image organization, spatial patterns, and symbolic color arrangements, the study reveals how visual order in Guangfu plaster not only reflects aesthetic preferences but also serves as a medium for expressing cultural values and constructing regional identity. By proposing a triadic analytical framework of “form–motif–symbolism,” the paper contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical application in the fields of heritage preservation, visual culture studies, and regional aesthetics. The findings also lay the groundwork for further cross-disciplinary studies involving digital modeling, iconographic mapping, and intercultural dissemination of traditional imagery.