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The idea of perfecting oneself through emulation
of an admired model has a long tradition in China. One of the fundamental premises of Confucian teaching is that
setting a good example is a more effective way of instilling proper
values than punishment. Role
models also feature prominently in much of the political propaganda from
the People’s Republic of China. The
ultimate model was, of course, Chairman Mao himself.
A virtual cult of personality was created around him; a portrait
of him hung in every home and his image was to be seen everywhere in
public. |
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The woodcut to the left is titled
"Never Get Rusty." How does the artist tell you who the main figure is here?
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"Never Get Rusty"
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During
the 1950s, the period of consolidation for the Communist regime, China
looked to the example of the Soviets as a successful socialist model.
Accordingly, Socialist Realism was adopted as the official style.
This realism was later combined with what Mao called
“Revolutionary Romanticism.” The
combination was to result in works of art that, while taking their cues
from everyday life, often imbued their subject matter with a romantic
aura. Compositions usually
focused on figures and were colorful and detailed. The
oil painting below is entitled "Chairman Mao Has Come to Our
Factory." The slogan hung from the roof reads "March Down
Chairman Mao's Revolutionary Road." How are colors and forms used in this painting to emphasize its theme? Why do you think some parts are more idealized when others seem simply realistic? |
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In
the background of the picture to the left is Lei Feng, an orphaned
peasant raised by the Communist Party. He went on to become a
soldier and died at the age of twenty-two. Lei Feng was
imagined as being extremely loyal to the country and loving the people
in earnest. In the early 60s he was promoted as a role model for the
army and the people. In the little girl's hands is Lei Feng's journal,
which was published after his death and became very popular.
