In the 1970s, Chinese farmers discovered hundreds of warrior statues made of terra cotta in an ancient burial chamber that had been around for thousands of years. Those so-called "terra-cotta warriors" have toured the world's museums and fascinated anthropologists for decades, and now a Chinese artist is crafting a new army of terra-cotta warriors for future generations to unearth.
Artist Gong Yuebin was a teenager when the soldiers were discovered. And their large military presence inspired him even then. He lived through China's cultural revolution, when his own family was ordered to the countryside. They had little food and lived in fear, as the government cracked down on intellectuals and those who opposed them.
Gong eventually went to an art academy where he made traditional paintings on silk. But his life experiences had given him a desire to go beyond the expected. Today, he is using his own newly-created army of terra-cotta soldiers to make social commentary on war and greed and government.
Quotes
"You know traditional Chinese way of learning is to copy the past. So, if you want to be a painter, you started painting bamboo until you become one with the bamboo. You copy the old master, and then gradually you would add your own style onto it. So I think Yuebin did what traditional Chinese supposed to do, is to copy the past and project the new symbols into his work." - Pat Chirapravati, art professor
"People kill each other. And then comes revenge. And this could go on forever. Desire and greed from those in control, that is a big problem." - Gong Yuebin, artist
Warm Up Questions
1. What is social commentary?
2. What do you know about China and its government?
3. How can art be used to make political statements?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think Yuebin was so affected by the terra-cotta warriors? How do you think you would feel if you had the chance to see them?
2. How do you think the work of artists can affect politics and political decisions? Can you think of other examples?
3. If you were going to design a piece of art as social commentary, what would you make and why? Brainstorm ideas with a group.
Additional Resources
