Edutainment > Wang Zhaoliang - born 1944

copyright Wang Zhaoliang

This short article introduces another contemporary Chinese artist - Wang Zhaoliang. His works are so much different and non-conformist and another example for the wide variety and mature state of contemporary Chinese printmaking.

We are in the happy position to present some photos from the hometown of the artist. The images give an understanding for the sources of inspiration of artists like Wang Zhaoliang.

Born in Anhui Province

copyright Wang Zhaoliang

Wang Zhaoliang was born in 1944 in Anhui province, in the city of Huangshan. Not far away from Huangshan are the famous Yellow Mountains - one of the most scenic and beautiful landscapes in China.

The artist is member of the Chinese Printmakers Association and of the Artists Association of Anhui Province. Artworks by Wang Zhaoliang were shown in many national and international expositions. His prints have been collected by art museums and private collectors from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Wang is a representative of Anhui School printmakers.

Anhui province is in the Southeast of China. The wider area of Huangshan has a population of 1.5 million inhabitants. One of the attractions are the Yellow Mountains with Mt. Huangshan and other oddly shaped mountains and the typical pine trees in the southern part of Anhui province.

Woodblock Prints in Black and White

copyright Wang Zhaoliang

Most of Wang Zhaoliang's prints are kept in black and white. The artist works in traditional woodblock technique and takes his subjects from his immediate environment - typical landscapes of Anhui province like the Yellow Mountains and the rather special style of architecture.

But Wang depicts a world that does not look like being from our days - old architecture with typical Chinese roofs, arches and canals with boats that look like a on a painting made by Canaletto. The people that you can find on these prints, look more like characters from old legends than real persons from our days. On some other designs you see buses or motor bikes cruising around old temples, pagodas and palaces. Everything looks a bit misterious and surreal.

Wang's prints are full of scenic details. You are reminded of old European town maps and town views from the 15th and 16th century.

Issues of Contemporary Chinese Art

The natural environment and traditional issues are a dominating theme in the works of contemporary Chinese artists like Wang Zhaoling. The impact of environment expresses itself in the presentation of rural landscapes, wildlife and references to historic or legendary events.

The rapid modernization of China over the last decades took a breath-taking pace at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. Westernization is rolling over the country and threatens old traditions and values. Economic growth and development are higher on the priority list than the preservation of an intact environment.

The works of many contemporary artists seem to express an appeal not to sacrifice the natural beauties and traditional values of China to modernization and economic growth.

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