Chinese Arts and Propaganda: June 4th

There are three types of art in China that I noticed on our art adventure. First: my favorite, the traditional watercolor. I really enjoy the watercolor because you can see how much the Chinese appreciate nature and how they capture it in the most beautiful way. They focus on the form and line and use negative space and minimalism. 

The second type of Chinese art was at the Beijing Art Museum and it only contains government-approved art and the government only supports art that supports the new china. The pictures are full of families or government officials that are smiling and are in the middle of new china: one-child policy, expanding the city, everyone is equal, etc. About half of the pictures contained Chairman Mao.

The last type of art was at the 798 District. The 798 District is this amazing section of Beijing that was once a Russian factory town and now holds hundreds of art studios and galleries. The art in the 798 are very contemporary and extremely influenced by American Contemporary Art. One exhibit was all instillation pieces that had many suggestions or questions about the government, the society and the world. Many pieces talked about events that occurred in China that no one talks about, events that are not even discussed in history books. These pieces I enjoyed because it had a very risky function. Before I came to China, I assumed that all art displayed had to government-approved pieces, but it seems that lately, they have been more open. The best art also comes out of the worst situations and out of people and places that have something to say and something to fight for. China is an excellent position because they have plenty to say and the opportunity to say it.