Imagine a time before smartphones and Instagram — where capturing a historic moment took real guts and craft. From 1931 to 1949, on the Chinese mainland, a group of artists used carved wood blocks to turn paper into powerful messages of resistance. 🎨
The China Art Museum in Shanghai is shining a light on these unsung heroes with its new exhibition, "Carving History." Visitors can dive into prints from the New Woodcut Movement, each piece telling stories of courage, satire, and solidarity during the War of Resistance.
One standout is "Flesh-Bombing Defender" by Wang Qi. Inspired by a pilot’s ultimate sacrifice in the 1937 Battle of Shanghai, this print captures both shock and admiration. You can almost feel the explosion and the devotion to protect the city. 💥
Then there’s Li Lu, whose sharp eye and humor called out fascist leaders and global conflicts long before memes ruled the internet. His woodcuts slice through propaganda, reminding us that art can be one of our clearest voices.
These prints traveled far beyond Shanghai, inspiring artists across the Chinese mainland to pick up chisels and create their own voices of resistance.
Photography was rare back then, so each print became a lasting record of bravery and struggle. These woodcuts didn’t just decorate walls — they united communities, inspired hope, and proved that creativity can be a weapon against injustice. 🕊️
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or just curious about how crafts can shape the world, "Carving History" is a journey you don’t want to miss. It’s proof that even the smallest cuts can leave a big mark on history.
Reference(s):
Woodcuts: From Shanghai to nationwide during the War of Resistance
cgtn.com
