Words Of Praise

This paper examines the concept of "zuguo" (motherland) as it is manifested during the process of "guohua" or "national painting" reforms in the 1950s. It was a time of nation building, a time when the very word "zuguo" was new to the Chinese lexicon, at the same time, Chinese painting was considered in need of modernization. Initial attempts at reform were based on the Soviet model, but were soon abandoned for a more ambitious attempt at self-expression, by examining the political and other factors driving, we learn how such politically sensitive, yet emotional issues collided to create what would come to be known as the quintessential image of the motherland in China today, as well as discover the unique nature of the Chinese concept of "zuguo" as it is represented in the medium.