Revelation About Sword And Rose

The current depressing engraving situation in Mainland China incorporates such increasing malpractices as some artists'isolation from the masses, extreme ego-drived care for themselves, self-appreciation, tendency of extreme technicalization, aristocracy, and formal language, which are the root of the decreasing social influence of the graphic art. In this essay, the author emphasize on the common problems in the current engraving ways through exploring works of Mr.Hang Xinbo, a well-noted former artist. Sword and rose is to generalize the connotation of his works. The sword symbolizes his nature for justice, the revelation of the reactionaries , the criticism of them and the struggle against them. However, rose stands for his warmth and kindness to the grassroots, his care for motherland's fate and the humanism in his heart. Mr. Huang , an apprentice of Lu Xun, was one of the first rising graphic artists with new thoughts, who had established his reputation in China engraving history by his contributions to newly-developing woodcarving moment in China. Many of his works have been highly praised for clear symbolism and realistic style, such as Roaring, After Selling Blood, Cross breaking South China Sea, The Youth, The Everlasing Spring ,etc. Mr. Huang devoted himself to the graphic art all through his career ,upholding justice and sympathizing the people. In this case, the author raises her opinions on the depressing domestic graphic art situation through comparing the spirits of Mr. Huang with current creating conceptions in quite different social backgrounds.