Introduction

Fang Lijun’s Woodcuts

In order to meet the increasingly growing spiritual demand of people and fulfill the social responsibility as a large history and art museum, the Hunan Museum is now planning a series of modern and contemporary art exhibitions,highlighting different genres of artifacts and revealing profound history of cultures, finally form a comprehensive exhibition system. 

The exhibition of Fang Lijun Woodcuts adopts the case study approach and is based on the timeline of works. It well reflects the artistic exploration of Fang at different stages through 132 pieces of woodcuts ranging from the initial one made in 1982 to the lately completed one in 2020.  This exhibition is not only a review of Fang’s works over the past 38 years, but also a supreme epitome of development process of contemporary art as well as the growth stages of  artists in contemporary China. Fang’s works are divided into 4 phases: 1.vagueness (1982-1984), 2.silence(1985-1994), 3.awakening(1995-1998), 4. breakthrough(1999-today). Although woodcuts are the very beginning of his art career and the origin of  his inspiration, his relevant works are much less known to the public than his oil paintings,  which are regarded as a symbolic expression in  Chinese contemporary art. This exhibition will make up for it and enable us to have an all-rounded understanding about Fang’s artistic achievements. 

Fang’s works cover oil paintings, woodcuts, ink and wash paintings, art installations and ceramic works etc, some of which have already become cultural symbols with connotation of certain age and have gained international influence. His woodcuts featuring big structure, huge field and large scale expand the concept and language of woodcuts, highlight the characteristics of things described, revealing an artistic tension and epochal significance via visually shocking images and unique way of thinking. Therefore, they well demonstrated  the global perspective as well as the sense of responsibility of Chinese contemporary artists in promoting cultures.