Chinese Farmers’Painting

Chinese farmers’painting enjoys a unique status of its own in the world folk art circles.In China，farmers constitute a large portion of the Chinese population，so it is natural that they have their own form of art due to the differences in customs，living background and educational background.The paintings reflect both styles and scenes of their life in the vast countryside of China.The glamour of the paintings has conquered hundreds of people both at home and abroad.The paintings have become an established art form in modern Chinese culture.

History

Chinese farmers painting or Folk Painting is both ancient and young.It is ancient because it originated from the thousand-year traditions of embroidery，batik，paper cutting and wall paintings.And it is young because it did not emerge as an art form until the 19 50s when farmers were encouraged to engage in art.

“People need art，and art needs more people.”It is this new understanding of art that stands at the cradle of Chinese farmers’paintings.Some communes pick it up，in the beginningfor recreational purposes，or as a well-meant means of propaganda，or to express their dreams of a better life.

The farmers’painting’s movements continued through 1960s.With the politicaland economic reforms at the beginning of the 19 80s，farmer painting，as a genre of paintings，had developed gradually and has now become a very popular form of art.Moreover，the international exhibitions held at home and abroad and the coming of Western tourists to China in large numbers are sure to push this form of art to move forward.Today，there are more than 40 government recognized farmers’painters communities，organized in different artists associations on county，provincial and national level.The government promotes these activities and supports them by providing funds and various trainings.

hancheng

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