Chinese Art in an Age of Revolution. Fu Baoshi 1904-1965

One of the preeminent figures in 20th-century Chinese art, Fu Baoshi (1904-1965) revolutionized the tradition of Chinese ink painting, opening the door to innovations by subsequent generations. As both an art historian and a painter, he directed his work toward protecting cultural heritage in times of war and revolution. From traditional-style landscape and figure painting to political artwork manifesting state ideology during the Mao era, Fu´s work demonstrates his search for a unique artistic language that speaks for the self and the nation. Using native tradition as an essential element, Fu´s artistic modernity defined Chinese art as a discipline distinct from Western and international socialist art of the time.