A Study Of Xu Xunzhi’s Early Art Activities

Throughout Xu Xingzhi’s life,his artistic career can be described as “diversity” and“all-round talent”.In terms of art,from studying with Lü Fengzi in 1916 to working at the Central Academy of Fine Arts as director of the Art Theory Research Office in the1950 s,fine art was the first and the final choice of his life.In addition,he also actively participated in theater and film activities and made outstanding contributions.What’s more,this “multi-identity” or “trans-disciplinary” characteristic of his activities was reflected in his early years,or mainly concentrated in his early artistic career.This paper focuses on Xu Xingzhi’s early artistic activities(1904-1935)to explore his artistic choices,and also attempts to reveal such a phenomenon that was not unusual at that time.This paper first explores Xu’s art nurturing,including his family upbringing,his artistic educations,and his interactions with the members of the Creation Society.Secondly,it discusses the process of the formation of his Proletariat literature thought,which was influenced by both domestic and international Proletariat trends and was also the result of his own personal experience.Finally,it discusses the shift in his artistic activities after the formation of his Proletariat literature thought,which includes two aspects: the shift to the “left-wing” and the move from art to theater and film.