Jiang Feng

Jiang Feng (; 1910–1983) was a Chinese artist known for incorporating politics into his artwork, and using woodcut as his form of media. He was a member of the Communist Party.

Early life

Jiang Feng was born in Shanghai. His original name was Zhou Xi (周熙). Jiang grew up in a working class family. As a teenager, he became involved in left-wing politics, mainly because he worked as a bookkeeper for a railroad company and participated in labor strike activities.

Career

In 1939, Jiang Feng was an instructor at Lu Xun Academy of Literature and Art in Yan'an. He was made director of the art department the following year. In this particular position, he was in charge of the art factory responsible for producing nianhua prints for Red Army propaganda. From 1949 through 1957 Feng was the leading figure in Mao's project of cultural reform in the art world.

He was made an Honorary Chairman of Chinese Print Media Artists Association.

In 1979, after the Cultural Revolution ended, Jiang was honored with Presidency of the Chinese Artists' Association.

Teachings

While working at these academies, Jiang taught using two concepts of art: Yan'an conception of art education and the Russian system of art education. The Yan'an conception of art education required students to learn Marxist and Mao Zedong thought. Students also had to devote a significant amount of time to working with peasants, workers, and soldiers. The Russian system of art education emphasized drawing from life and from plaster casts of sculpture, and acquiring the skills needed to paint with oils and watercolors.

Because Jiang was dedicated to the medium of printmaking, this was eventually granted independent department status within schools.

Artwork

Much of Jiang Feng's artwork incorporated styles from other countries. In 1931 he produced a woodcut titled, "Kill the Resisters." It is in the stark style of German Expressionism. The painting depicts a group of flag-warning demonstrators fleeing from the gunfire of armed Nationalist troops.

In 1942 Jiang created, "Studying is Good," which was a mix of nianhua prints and positive Communist content. It conveyed two children holding up a writing brush and abacus, while squash and grain are growing at their feet. The slogan above their heads reads, "Studying is good. After you study you can do accounts and write letters."

Jiang also published papers on art: "Art of Italian Renaissance," "Appreciation of Western Famous Paintings," and "Art of DaVinci."