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Woodcut master in the frame
By Wu Huixin |
April 5, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AROUND 200 woodcuts and sketches by woodcut master Zhang Huaijiang (1922-1990) - beginning with revolutionary works - is underway at the Zhejiang Art Museum through April 15.
Zhang was considered a leader of China's second generation of woodcut artists and an important educator. His work closely reflected the times. His early style was influenced by German artists, but it changed after he joined Communist guerrillas in 1947 in Zhejiang Province.
A native of Yueqing, Zhejiang, he was later influenced by the Yan'an woodcut school, characterized by revolutionary works. In Yan'an Mao Zedong had preached that the purpose of art was to serve and inspire the people.
Zhang later taught in Hangzhou at the East Branch of China Central Academy of Fine Arts (today the China Academy of Art). He developed a unique way of cutting, integrating former Soviet Union and traditional woodcut techniques.
In 1957, Zhang came under political attack and was removed from his teaching post. He continued exploring different methods of making woodcuts. From 1979 to 1989, Zhang's final years, he was free to work and produced some of his finest work.
Many of Zhang's works were inspired by writer Lu Xun, who inspired a whole generation of artists in various media. Zhang himself wrote an article titled "Lu Xun Teaches Me How to Hold a Pen."
"My father devoted his whole life to art, despite illness and political factors. His early works were realistic and characterized by daily life, but later became spiritual expressions reflecting life's tribulations," according to his son Zhang Yuanfan.
Zhang devoted considerable time to teaching and writing to students, and encouraging them. Years later his students compiled his manuscripts and letters.
A man named Wang Heng in Xitang Town, Jiashan City, wrote to Zhang saying he wanted to learn to make woodcuts. Zhang taught him through correspondence and the man became a famous woodcut artist, the son said.
Zhang also used to take in poor students from time to time, "regarding them as his own children," his son said.
Date: through April 15, 9am-4:30pm (closed on Mondays)
Address: 138 Nanshan Rd
Tel: (0571) 8707-8700
Admission: free
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