Historical Inheritance and Folklore Memory-Development and Innovation of Imagery Expression in Chinese Painting

Abstract

This thesis delves into an exploration of the historical lineage of imagery expression within Chinese paintings, while also investigating the intricate interplay between folkloric memory and imagery in Chinese art. Additionally, it scrutinizes the contemporary reinterpretation of historical themes in Chinese painting. The introductory section offers a comprehensive review of the historical evolution of Chinese pictorial imagery, encompassing its genesis and initial development, the classical legacy evident during the Song, Yuan, and Ming periods, as well as the transformations and continuations witnessed during the Qing Dynasty. This historical analysis illuminates the evolutionary trajectory of Chinese pictorial imagery. Furthermore, this study delves into the portrayal of folkloric elements within pictorial imagery and the modern transmutations of folk culture within the realm of Chinese painting. Chinese painting imagery, over different historical epochs and cultural settings, has exhibited an ability to evolve and thrive while consistently reflecting the depth and vibrancy of Chinese culture and society. This research contributes significantly to a nuanced comprehension of the contemporary significance of Chinese painting imagery within society, underscoring its enduring value and influence as a cultural heritage.