So I was originally going to write a post about Yan Han (whose work you see above) but a couple google searches, one fever, and four days later I am now prepared to blow your mind…

(Wharf on the Canal-Wang Qi)

It seems that since the mid 20th century there was a resurgence in woodblock art- the beginning of this movement focused on scenes depicting the newly established Communist lifestyle.  But the themes and methods have evolved well beyond just that (as you can see).  

(Long Road: Number Two- Zhao Yannian)

Reclaiming an old, traditional art form and incorporating European and Japanese variations on the art form the themes became the meaningful foundation for depictions of the changing landscapes, ethos, and function of this art.  The 1980’s marked this new chapter, increased international attention and a general overall flourishing of the movement.

(Ox- Ban Ilng)

The Murban Foundation is responsible for many of the exhibitions of these collections of prints all over the world (Chicago’s Art Institute and the British Library are two that I have seen), but they don’t seem to have a website accessible to just anyone…oh well, I have included some links below that has better info than I could ever give

(Rhythm on the Street-Wang Qi)

This selection is mostly of the “biggies” and span the late 60’s on…

(The North- Yu Chengyou)

Links (for some reason I can’t get the links to work-so y’all have to do the arduous task of actually copying and pasting yourself)

Sweet Briar College’s exhibition:

             http://www.artgallery.sbc.edu/exhibits/00_01/chinesewoodblock/

The British Library (sigh):

             http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/chineseprints/tour.html#

The Art Institute:

             http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/exhibition/edges