Embedded Files
The use of posters and visual arts within China were integral to the success of new policies and ideas. Spreading posters throughout the countryside and within urban areas took on new meaning compared to depictions of life from previous generations. Images were meant to show Revolutionary themes and avoid capitalist, imperialist, or classist themes. While these posters, paintings, and photographs provide us with insight into revolutionary movements and forms of propaganda, we must keep in mind that images are only snapshots in time.
Combat illiteracy campaigns
Combat illiteracy campaigns
Read about how the Communist party used posters to encourage literacy as a social policy within China.
In what ways were literacy and propaganda merged to serve a dual purpose?
What themes are prevalent within the literacy campaign posters?
New Marriage Law
New Marriage Law
Read about Iron Women, Foxy Ladies and learn about how propaganda posters and visuals displayed females. Read about how the Communist party's New Marriage Law impacted women's rights related to marriage and divorce.
How do the posters of women in both series of readings demonstrate continuity or change related to depictions of women and rights/legal status of women within China?
Visual Arts (Painting)
Visual Arts (Painting)
Read a short interview about the painting of Standing Guard for Our Great Motherland.
In what ways did the Cultural Revolution contribute to the visual arts?
How does the story of the painting reinforce ideas related to censorship, appropriate art forms, and propaganda in China?
Visual Arts (Photography)
Visual Arts (Photography)
Scroll through the photographs by Li Zhensheng that depict moments in the Cultural Revolution. There are multiple chapters listed as roman numerals at the top of the page, though scrolling to the right and clicking next will also allow you to move to new chapters. Scrolling over images will provide you with text about the photo.
What elements do you see in these photos that are recurrent?
In what ways do these images portray the use of force as a mechanism for maintenance of power within China?
References:
The first two images within this section of the site belong to the International Institute of Social History (IISH) or Stefan R. Landsberger and are available via https://chineseposters.net/index.php.
Changing Guard: http://sites.asiasociety.org/chinarevo/?p=202
Visual Arts Photography: http://www.red-colornewssoldier.com/chapter_fs.html
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