Skip Navigation

Chinese Culture and Politics Collide in Art Exhibit

Dried Lichee Box, 1930s-1940s, manufactured by Fook Loong, Canton,lithograph on paperboard
Dried Lichee Box, 1930s-1940s, manufactured by Fook Loong, Canton,lithograph on paperboard

KEENE, N.H., 8/4/11 - The Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery will host an art exhibit that examines 20th century Chinese politics by looking at its popular culture. China Modern: Designing 20th Century Popular Culture is an in depth exploration of Chinese advertising images, mass media, graphic and product design that demonstrate how political ideologies and cultural values are transmitted through everyday objects. China Modern is on view Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, December 11, at the Thorne Gallery located on the Keene State College campus.

The Friends of the Thorne will host an public reception for China Modern on Friday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery.

The more than 170 objects in this exhibition bring two contrasting 20th century ideologies-Capitalism and Communism-to the level of popular culture. The exhibition shows how, despite vastly different goals, the means of instilling these values was often strikingly similar. The predominantly graphic-based objects in China Modern include lychee and cigarette boxes, children’s toys, a multitude of product labels and advertisements, and propaganda from the rule of Mao Zedong. Beautifully detailed woodblock prints and lithographs showcase the high-quality craftsmanship of Chinese print designers and artisans.

China underwent radical, systemic changes in the 20th century. Imperial rule was disintegrating at the end of the 19th century and being replaced by new political systems: the Republic of China, which was established in 1912; and the People’s Republic of China, founded in 1949, which was modeled after the Soviet Communist structure. Economic reforms spearheaded by Deng Xiaoping after the death of Mao Zedong again dramatically re-shaped China. Political changes strongly affected cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, which in turn influenced social, cultural and artistic life throughout the country. Increasing urbanization and modernization played a substantial role in 20th century China, as it did throughout the world at that time. The exhibition is divided into four sections, spanning from the late Qing Dynasty through modern day artworks influenced by China’s graphic art traditions.

China Modern was curated by Kalim Winata, an independent scholar specializing in print and popular cultures of the 20th century, with a focus on Asia. Earning a Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art in 2000, he worked closely with collector Reed Darmon to produce Made in China (Chronicle Books), the companion book which first inspired this exhibition.

China Modern was developed by the Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, California, and is organized for tour by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

Also on exhibit through Sunday, December 4, is Infinite Mirror: Images of American Identity, which explores America’s self image through paintings, prints, photographs, and video by 42 artists whose insightful works reveal the triumphs, tragedies, relationships, and traditions that inform our notions of nationhood.

The exhibits and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Sunday to Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. The gallery is closed November 11 for Veterans Day and November 23-27 for Thanksgiving break.

The gallery, located on Wyman Way on the Keene State campus, is accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations for a disability, please call the gallery at least two weeks before your visit. For information, call 603-358-2720 or visit http://www.keene.edu/tsag.

About Keene State College
Founded in 1909 as a two-year normal school to meet New Hampshire’s need for well-educated and effective teachers, Keene State College has evolved into one of the most predominant liberal arts colleges in the nation. With more than 40 programs of study, Keene State College prepares students to think critically, act creatively, and serve the greater good.

Keene State College: Wisdom to make a difference.

Related Stories

Contact Keene State College

1-800-KSC-1909
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435