Exhibition period: July 16th to August 10th, 2008

Exhibition location: C, Central Hall

Exhibition type: Print exhibition

    China in the 20th century experienced a special period of ups and downs in history, and art also had a special significance that surpassed itself in this special historical stage. Especially the black and white woodcut art, which was once known as the "dagger and spear", has strengthened the strong and heroic artistic spirit. Zheng Zuoliang, Director of the Collection Department of the China National Art Museum and former military artist, is such a printmaking artist who has sublimated in the tradition of combat.

    Zheng Zuoliang graduated from the Affiliated Middle School of Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts in 1968 and graduated from the first senior research class of the Printmaking Department of Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts in 1982. He studied under professors Zhao Zongzao, Zhao Yannian, and Zhang Huaijiang. Joined the military in 1969, changed careers in 1993, and held the rank of colonel. He went to China Vietnam twice in 1979 and 1986 to experience battlefield life in self-defense and counterattack, and was awarded the third class merit. From 1993 to 2005, he served as the Deputy Director and Director of the Collection Department of the China National Art Museum. I am currently a member of the China Artists Association, the China Printmakers Association, a member of the Expert Committee of the China Art Museum, the Deputy Secretary General of the Printmaking Art Committee of the China Artists Association, and a national first-class artist.

    Zheng Zuoliang's art mainly focuses on black and white woodcuts, emphasizing the contrasting relationship and symbolic significance of black and white blocks. The bold yet sophisticated black and white relationship, as well as the golden and stone flavor produced by the collision of traditional spirit and reality, reminds people of Lu You's artistic conception of "lying at night listening to the wind and rain, iron horses and glaciers falling into dreams.".

    After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Chinese printmaking ended the situation of black and white woodcut dominating the world and entered a new era of multi-directional development. However, the artistic spirit of printmaking art, full of social mission, has been continued. Zheng Zuoliang's art is also composed of two parts. In addition to black and white woodcuts, there is also a part of acrylic color printing works. However, both black and white and color works reflect the energetic artistic exploration spirit of an artist with a deep sense of social responsibility. His acrylic color printing works have a meticulous layout and stable color scheme, incorporating traditional nutrients such as Han Dynasty portraits, bricks, and murals, thus achieving an aesthetic realm where traditional meanings and modern aesthetics complement each other.