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Selected Chinese Prints of the 20th Century

Media Release - 3 September 2007
images to accompany release

The Migration Museum presents a captivating exhibition of 51 Chinese woodblock prints carefully selected from the thousands produced over the 20^th century.  The exhibition Selected Chinese Prints of the 20^th Century is being toured nationally by the Chinese Embassy in Canberra.

The history of China’s woodblock prints dates back over two thousand years, however at the end of the Qing Dynasty, woodblock printing went into decline when other printing techniques such as lithography arrived in China.

The ‘New Woodblock Print’ – a movement launched in 1931 marked a turning point in China’s history, not only in techniques, but also in artistic ideals and social implications.  From day one, the ‘New Print’ has been closely tied to the liberation cause of the Chinese nation and the life of the Chinese people.

Early works from 1900 -1929 show the tradition of ancient duplicate woodprints.  From 1930, young art students who were deeply moved by the suffering of the people and concern for an endangered nation produced down to earth artworks.  10 years later, 2 distinct schools had developed; one which exposed the people’s misery and struggle under the Kuomintang regime and the other celebrating the happy life of the freed people in liberated regions.

The period from 1950 - 1979 was the heyday of China’s ‘New Print’, as the cultural policy and social life of New China reeled out a new canvas for the art’s development.

Throughout 1980 – 1999, the influence of reform and international exchange is reflected in works which are distinguished by different instruments, materials, forms and styles; a full display of artists’ individuality and creativity.  Selected Chinese Prints of the 20^th Century is a significant exhibition of recent Chinese history and will remain on display until 27 January 2008.

What    Selected Chinese Prints of the 20^th Century exhibition

When   on now until 27 January 2008

Cost     FREE                                                                                                

Media Contact: Kearin Hausler, Marketing Co-ordinator
Phone   +61 8203 9868
Mobile   0431 908 231
Email     khausler@history.sa.gov.au

Migration Museum: 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000. Phone: +61 8207 7580