Chairman Mao en Route to Anyuan
Artist unknown; based on oil painting by Lui Chunhua. c. 1969 C.E. Color lithograph
Chunhua Liu used the ideals of the Cultural Revolution and Socialist Realism to create his masterpiece. This poster is a lithographic reproduction of a painting in the style of Socialist Realism. the ideas conveyed in artworks were meant to permeate other cultures and to spread their philosophies.
Form:
- This is based on an oil painting that was done on canvas
- this is actually a color lithograph
- this is a method of printing using a smooth stone or metal
- done by Liu Chunhua
Function:
- The communist party in China wanted to portray Chairman Mao as a new revolutionary leader
- wanted to gain followers throughout all of China
Content:
- this painting shows a young Mao Zedong (at the time of the painting he was in his seventies)
- youth makes him more revolutionary
- has a determined face
- makes him a strong leader
- standing on top of a mountain
- ready to conquer anything in his way
Context:
- This painting was used as a way for the Communist party in China to thank Chairman Mao for his support throughout the years
- they also wanted to portray Mao as a revolutionary leader committed to championing the common people.
- At this time there was large amounts of conflict over power so Mao had these paintings done to help regain control
- this painting in particular shows Mao on his way to lead the miners strike of 1922
- they wanted better wages, working conditions and education
- this created the bond of Mao with the communist party
