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When the people became the subject for artists
By Xu Wenwen |
July 2, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SEVENTY years ago, Mao Zedong called on artists, writers and musicians to create art for common people, resulting in artworks that influence modern Chinese art to this day.
The National Art Museum of China holds many of paintings from this school, and is exhibiting them at Zhejiang Art Museum, Hangzhou.
These are part of the mountain of work produced by Chinese artists following Mao's "Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art," which required more art for ordinary folk, especially workers, farmers and soldiers.
"Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art" is a seminal 1942 speech on the role of literature and art in China, which effectively dictated the approved style in art and literature in China.
So despite the serious situation in the 1940s, when China was engulfed in civil war, an increased number of artworks were produced. Whether perceived as propaganda or "genuine art," they help people today understand the history and the time.
The exhibition continues until July 9, featuring more than 200 pieces created shortly after Mao's speech, and another 200 created later, including recent pieces. Most of the works favor realism.
"Before the speech, Chinese artists made art of scenery and literati, but afterwards, ordinary people took a central role," said Fan Di'an, the director of National Art Museum of China.
"The spirit has been carried on in modern Chinese art, which - like modern Chinese society in general - is facing dilemmas, confusion and difficulties," Fan added. "People can tell the development in the past 70 years through the exhibition."
The exhibition has five parts. The first, "Time of Yan'an," collects more than 200 items - documents, photos and videos, as well as woodblock paintings (the most popular art form during that time), about "Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art." The vibrant propaganda posters are recommended.
The other four parts feature many kinds of works themed on folk life. These include mass-produced artworks, such as Lunar New Year paintings and comics, as well as traditional Chinese paintings and oil paintings.
Highlights include works of famed masters, such as Qi Baishi's "Peony" and Wu Guanzhong's "Spring Snow."
Visitors can get a glimpse of old, simpler Chinese life from the works, in which farmers and workers' life are vividly shown. In addition, 1940s and 1950s comics that satirize society are recommended too.
Date: Through July 9, closed on Mondays
Address: 138 Nanshan Rd, Zhejiang Art Museum
Tel: (0571) 8700-8700
The National Art Museum of China holds many of paintings from this school, and is exhibiting them at Zhejiang Art Museum, Hangzhou.
These are part of the mountain of work produced by Chinese artists following Mao's "Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art," which required more art for ordinary folk, especially workers, farmers and soldiers.
"Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art" is a seminal 1942 speech on the role of literature and art in China, which effectively dictated the approved style in art and literature in China.
So despite the serious situation in the 1940s, when China was engulfed in civil war, an increased number of artworks were produced. Whether perceived as propaganda or "genuine art," they help people today understand the history and the time.
The exhibition continues until July 9, featuring more than 200 pieces created shortly after Mao's speech, and another 200 created later, including recent pieces. Most of the works favor realism.
"Before the speech, Chinese artists made art of scenery and literati, but afterwards, ordinary people took a central role," said Fan Di'an, the director of National Art Museum of China.
"The spirit has been carried on in modern Chinese art, which - like modern Chinese society in general - is facing dilemmas, confusion and difficulties," Fan added. "People can tell the development in the past 70 years through the exhibition."
The exhibition has five parts. The first, "Time of Yan'an," collects more than 200 items - documents, photos and videos, as well as woodblock paintings (the most popular art form during that time), about "Yan'an Talks on Literature and Art." The vibrant propaganda posters are recommended.
The other four parts feature many kinds of works themed on folk life. These include mass-produced artworks, such as Lunar New Year paintings and comics, as well as traditional Chinese paintings and oil paintings.
Highlights include works of famed masters, such as Qi Baishi's "Peony" and Wu Guanzhong's "Spring Snow."
Visitors can get a glimpse of old, simpler Chinese life from the works, in which farmers and workers' life are vividly shown. In addition, 1940s and 1950s comics that satirize society are recommended too.
Date: Through July 9, closed on Mondays
Address: 138 Nanshan Rd, Zhejiang Art Museum
Tel: (0571) 8700-8700
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