Paper-cutting artists persist and rediscover their paper-cutting skills
In the work of protecting folk paper-cutting, "people-oriented" is a fundamental principle. However, the huge changes and differences in the social and cultural environment in which paper-cutting artists live have also had a profound impact on their skills. The choices paper-cutting artists make when facing reality are related to the development and future of folk paper-cutting. How to allow paper-cutting artists to stick to and rediscover their paper-cutting skills? Many countries that were early in the protection of intangible cultural heritage have formulated relevant policies.
Most of this kind of policy is a "contract" between the state and folk artists, that is, once they are recognized as cultural heritage inheritors, they must assume the responsibility for inheriting specific cultural heritage projects and perform relevant cultural inheritance obligations. Japan has strict requirements in this regard. Japans "Cultural Properties Protection Law" stipulates that the government should urge inheritors who are listed as important intangible cultural properties to disclose their skills within three months after the list of intangible cultural properties is announced, so that society can preserve and Inherit and utilize. South Korea considers the willingness to teach skills or artistic abilities to others as a basic condition for granting them the honorary title of "Important Cultural Property Holder". According to the provisions of South Koreas "Cultural Property Protection Act", even if one has high skills and artistic abilities , it is impossible to obtain the honor of "Important Cultural Property Holder" if he refuses to pass on his skills. Accordingly, inheritors, as government-designated intangible cultural heritage inheritance objects, receive economic and social security provided by the government and society. The inheritors should repay society with the intangible cultural heritage achievements they inherit. In addition, they are very institutionalized in the identification, protection, and supervision of inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. The inheritors must be regularly assessed and inspected, regularly identified, changed, and revoked, and there is an exit mechanism. If the inheritor does not assume the responsibility of inheriting skills for the country and society, and does not provide necessary services for the country and society, his title should be cancelled. If there is a natural death, the inheritor of the cultural heritage should be suspended or changed.
Through this policy, the government can generally understand the process of folk artists' creation, inheritance and development of folk art. However, for the complex situation of Chinese society, this policy is notIt can fully take care of all paper-cutting artists, not to mention that Chinas protection of folk art is still in its infancy, and many areas are already facing the situation of people dying and art dying, and it will take a long time to establish and implement policies. In addition, there is still a long way to go for Chinese society to form an atmosphere that respects folk art and folk artists. Especially when folk paper-cutting enters the market, many operators only value the skills and do not understand the soul of paper-cutting and window grilles. Blind transformation and abuse in order to cater to the market have also caused certain damage to the creative potential and enthusiasm of paper-cutting artists.
Of course, there are many old artists who stick to folk paper-cutting because of their inner beliefs. There are also some capable artists who promote the positive evolution of folk paper-cutting through thinking and trying, making folk paper-cutting extend its vitality in modern society. For these artists, they need more care and encouragement from the society. Because of their persistence, paper-cutting art will have a bright future.
