History of Modern Chinese Painting: The Contemporary Era

Author: Li Zhujin, Wan Qingli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: In Greek mythology, there are nine beautiful and wise maidens on Mount Olympus. They are the daughters of the god of gods, Zeus, and the goddess of memory, and are the nine Muses who preside over music, poetry, drama, dance, tragedy, lyric poetry, epic poetry, and astronomy. It is they who bring inspiration to writers and artists. This is humanity's earliest understanding and classification of art. Later, the Muse goddesses descended from Mount Olympus, entering courts and salons. And later still, they moved into society, into public spaces, and into every corner of life. Art is no longer a sacrifice, no longer an ivory tower, nor merely an embellishment of life, but rather a part of life, or even life itself. It concerns the quality of life and the environment of survival. This historical process has spanned thousands of years, and the Muses have transformed from goddesses into common people. This is progress for the times, and also progress for art. We have named this series of books "Great Art" to distinguish it from ordinary art series. We step beyond the framework of pure art, expanding the scope of art to the broadest fields and extending the reach of art to areas that were once not considered art. At the same time, we discuss art with fresher concepts, richer perspectives, and more diverse forms, aiming to give readers a sense of novelty and variety. The greatness of art is no longer the exclusive domain of a few artists. But only when most people begin to pay attention to art, create art, and enjoy art can art truly be considered great art. This book is the third volume of A History of Modern Chinese Painting, and the final volume, covering the years 1950 to 2000. The main content is divided into two parts: the first is the painting of mainland China, written by Wan Qingli; the second is the painting of Taiwan, Hong Kong, overseas Chinese, and the "Conclusion: Looking Ahead to the 21st Century in Chinese Painting," written by Li Zhujin.