WANG JING LAN (B. 1942)
Winter Solstice
Oil on canvas
19 x 23 inches
YU ZHIZHENG (1915-1995)
Untitled (Lotus Hanging Scroll)
1980
Ink and color on paper
31 7/8 x 11 3/1 6 inches
Chinese Artists
Artists need to express themselves, even when faced with tremendous adversity and repression. The Chinese cultural revolution, launched in May 1966 by Mao Zedong and continuing until 1976, was one of the most destructive sociopolitical movements of the 20th century. To preserve and strengthen Chinese communism, all remnants of capitalism and traditional Chinese society were ruthlessly eliminated. Works in this collection by women artists who survived these purchase provide a window into thinking about survival and artistic expression. Known for her traditional ink on paper works, Yu Zhizheng was 51 when the Cultural Revolution began; Wang Jing Lan was 24.