On August 25th, a cultural and tourism event showcasing the artistic treasures and rich cultural heritage of Guizhou opened at the Vancouver Art Gallery. As a distinguished guest of the “Province of Mountains, Colorful Guizhou” cultural and tourism promotion event, internationally renowned artist and founding director of the Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Mr. Zheng Shengtian, provided the audience with a captivating interpretation of the farmers’ paintings from Shuicheng, Guizhou, drawing on his profound artistic expertise and unique research perspective.
Mr. Zheng Shengtian is a highly esteemed figure in the art world, with a career spanning over half a century. He has served as the head of the Oil Painting Department at the China Academy of Art, held visiting professorships at several universities in the United States, and is a senior curator at the Vancouver Biennale in Canada. His artistic achievements and scholarly contributions have transcended borders, making a significant impact globally.
Mr. Zheng is not only a participant and witness to the development of contemporary Chinese art but also a pioneer in promoting cultural exchange and integration between the East and the West. In this event, he focused on the unique art form of farmers’ paintings from Shuicheng, Guizhou, praising them as “folk art and masterpieces of genuine expression.”
Farmers’ paintings from Shuicheng, Guizhou, originated from the folk arts of various ethnic minorities in Liupanshui, Guizhou, such as patchwork, embroidery, and batik. Created by local residents, these paintings depict scenes of daily life, local customs, and cultural practices, representing a new genre in modern painting.
At the event, Mr. Zheng Shengtian analyzed the artistic characteristics and techniques of the farmers’ paintings from Shuicheng, Guizhou, from the perspective of artistic creation. He pointed out that although the artists of these paintings have not received formal academic training, their works embody a rich imagination and creativity. The farmers’ paintings, with their vibrant colors, exaggerated forms, and symbolic patterns, create imaginative and evocative artistic spaces.
In Mr. Zheng Shengtian’s view, Shuicheng farmers’ paintings originate from the countryside and are full of vitality. They are a natural and pure expression of the artists’ sincere emotions, which resonates with what contemporary Western artists are also interested in and striving for. The farmers’ paintings from Shuicheng, Guizhou, offer inspiration and insight for the exchange, integration, and innovation of contemporary Eastern and Western art.
On that day, guests not only experienced the rustic folk customs of Guizhou through the farmers’ paintings but also appreciated the unique charm of Guizhou’s intangible cultural heritage through works such as Miao batik, embroidery, and traditional headdresses.
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Company Name: The publicity department of the CPC Guizhou provincial committee
Contact Person: Zhou LU
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Country: Canada
Website: gzxc.gov.cn