Wood Engraving Paintings In The Context Of Southern Fujian Folk Culture

Sothern Fujian wood engraving painting has a very long history, which is an important historical style among lots of various New Year drawings. This kind of artistic work combines both grand rusticity of Northern China New Year painting and delicate elegance of Southern works. Since it demonstrates the folk traditions and local culture in Southern Fujian region, it has been a vital cultural and artistic token for them.In this dissertation, the author examines Sothern Fujian wood engraving painting against the broad background of both holistic culture of folk custom and all folk arts in the Southern Fujian region. The subject, crafts, origin and heritage of the Painting are explored through literature study and photograph research; the typical patterns are interpreted via vivid comparison and analogy; and the interconnection with contemporary folk life and arts are studied with comprehensive application of Art Theory, Folklore, Culturology, etc.The dissertation, first of all, introduces the Painting’s development history and cultural origin, in which author categorizes it by contents&subject and style&purposes so as to provide its overview. Secondly it reveals the inherent link with Southern Fujian folklore and culture, and discloses the cultural implication in the patterns of the Painting thorough analyzing and comparing the various patterns. Finally, from the perspective of the folk art and life, the dissertation probes into the Painting’s unique function in the local culturally ecological surroundings of folk art as well as its cultural influence upon traditional community of Southern Fujian region. With proper combing and analysis, a three-dimensional picture of folk cultural environment, where the Painting grew and developed, is displayed to readers, and author unveils the unique and precious value in terms of arts and culture.The research on the Painting in this dissertation is contributive not only in seeking the cultural origin of folk art, but also protecting and inheriting the non-material cultural heritage. In addition, the comparative study of the Fujian-Taiwan paintings can deepen the understanding on Southern Fujian culture among cross-strait people, enhance the awareness of cultural identity and promote the acceptance and pride on our common ethnic culture, which will also produce positive effect on building a harmonious society.