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Exhibition records army’s progress
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TO commemorate the 90th Army Day on August 1, Zhejiang Art Museum is holding an exhibition of more than 60 paintings, scripts, and photographs themed on military life and wars until August 21. Visitors can discover the glory days of the Chinese army through the exhibits.
Most of the exhibits were created by professors from China Academy of Art over decades. The college was established 89 years ago in Hangzhou. Its development history overlapped with the national army’s history.
In addition to the exhibition, the museum is also screening classic war films that deeply influenced generations of Chinese people during the turbulent period, including “Battle of Triangle Hill” (上甘岭), “Sparkling Red Star” (闪闪的红星), and “The Fighting of Tai’erzhuang” (血战台儿庄).
The exhibition is divided into four segments according to different development phases. The first part introduces how the army originated and flourished during the Agrarian Revolutionary War (1927-1937). At that time, the army accomplished the famous Long March and inspired the entire country.
The second section mainly showcases the army’s brave fight during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). The protracted war in the China Theater during the World War II frustrated Japan’s plan to expand north into Siberia to fight the Soviet Union. It also held back Japan to expand south to fight the allies forces.
The third segment displays the days during the War of Liberation (1945-1949) while the last part reflects on how it participates in modern development and rescue work during disasters.
When China was torn by war and civil conflict, artists used brushes and pens to create works that inspired people to fight invasion and enemies. Among the exhibits, the works of the famous woodblock print master Zhang Yangxi (1912-1964) stand out.
Zhang was born in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. In 1927, with financial assistance from his elder brother, he enrolled in the Sichuan Art Academy, and majored in woodcut art.
In 1930, a student strike created a storm in Chengdu that was crushed cruelly by a local warlord. Zhang created posters extolling the students movement, an unusual way of protesting at that time. As a result of his posters, his diploma was withheld and he was without means of support.
Nonetheless, Zhang threw himself into the movement, discarding his “subjects” — scenery and pretty women. He turned instead to political subjects, the national crisis and the suffering of the people, using powerful woodcut print posters to inspire patriotism and fighting spirit.
During the anti-Japanese wartime, he was hired by Xinmin Bao newspaper in Chengdu where he created Xinmin Comics, which played a major role in inspiring patriotism. After China’s victory in the anti-Japanese war, Zhang founded Zi You Hua Bao (Freedom Pictorial) and turned his art against Chiang Kai-shek, the head of the Kuomintang government. It was greatly welcomed by the public.
Zhang’s greatest contribution to art was the establishment of the woodcut department. He integrated the style of pictorial clay tablets of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and the style of the Zhejiang School of woodcut, using plain, strong lines to depict the environment and facial expressions.
In addition to Zhang, the exhibition also features woodcuts and sketches from woodcut master Zhang Huaijiang (1922-1990). He was another famous artist, producing hundreds of prints and other works themed on the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
Zhang Huaijiang was considered a leader of China’s second generation of woodcut artists and an important educator. His work closely reflected the times. A native of Zhejiang Province, he was greatly influenced by the Yan’an woodcut school that is characterized by revolutionary works.
Zhang later taught at China Academy of Art. He developed a unique way of cutting, integrating former Soviet Union and traditional woodcut techniques. Many of Zhang’s works were inspired by Chinese famous literary figure Lu Xun. Zhang himself wrote an article titled “Lu Xun Teaches Me How to Hold a Pen.”
Date: Through August 21, closed on Mondays
Address: 138 Nanshan Rd
Admission: Free
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