The theme of my exhibition is to explore the different types of cartoons that Feng Zikai created. He was known to categorize his works into three different subjects: satirical, subtle social and political critiques, or purely to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy with a specific scene. I plan to have two of each of these topics within my exhibition. I will choose two pieces of social critiques that represent different historical events within Feng’s life. He particularly felt strongly against the Great Leap Forward, and made works to depict the horrors of this time. Another political time frame which Feng created works about was the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the negative impacts that his war had on Chinese society. I will discuss the implications and symbolism within each politically-driven cartoon, and why Feng chose to create works about those specific historical events. I will discuss the satirical cartoons in a similar manner, and will include an explanation of the satirical symbolism.

The nostalgic and simple scenes without incorporation of political references will be chosen based on the significant events in Feng Zikai’s personal life and beliefs. Feng was a Buddhist artist, and this belief system was shown in his works. He sought to show the connection between art, play, work, and children. Children were used frequently, due to Feng’s belief in all needing a “childlike heart.” Only with this heart could one see the world for what it truly is, and act justly. This idea was significantly influenced by his Buddhist religion.

Also for each artwork, I will describe the similarities and differences that each piece has to that of traditional Chinese art. Notably, the medium and canvas layout are typically the same, but subject matter and technique are different. I will write about how the differences enabled Feng to showcase his views and speak to the modern people of China.

Feng Zikai. A China Dream poster. Ink on Scroll. Qufu, Shandong. Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_Zikai#/media/File:Feng_Zikai_Propaganda_Poster.jpg

References:

Hung, Chang-tai. War and Popular Culture: Resistance in Modern China, 1937-1945. Los Angeles: The Regents of the University of California, 1994.

Lin, Qi. Feng Zikai exhibitions offer insight into painter’s life. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/30/WS5bd7984aa310eff3032854a1.html.

Feng, Zikai. “A China Dream poster.” Feng Zikai. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_Zikai#/media/File:Feng_Zikai_Propaganda_Poster.jpg