From Publishers Weekly
This comprehensive study of modern Chinese painting covers postrevolutionary artists, particularly those active in the period following Mao's death in 1976. Cohen (China Today and Her Ancient Treasures starts by providing useful background material on traditional Chinese ink-and-rice-paper painting, the beginnings of Western influences in 1912, and the development of Communist and social realist esthetics. Her coverage of the period of the Cultural Revolution (19661976) is outstandingespecially the persecution of creative peopleand she follows with a heartening account of the lifting of some artistic restrictions under Deng Xiaoping. She also analyzes individual painters and considers the role of artists in a socialist society. This book includes many reproductions, a bibliography, glossary and maps.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Considering its tumultuous recent history, it is remarkable that China has produced any artists at all in the last 40 years. Cohen briefly discusses individual artists of each group or tradition, unfolding a tale of hardship, oppression, and humiliation. He describes the painting styles practiced in China today, from traditional ink through abstract expressionism. Much of the painting seems derivative of the few Western influences available, although many artists have developed unique styles. Cohen presents a grim but ultimately hopeful picture of recent developments in Chinese painting, of interest to most libraries. Patricia R. Hausman, Coll. of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
