The artistic characteristics of traditional folk paper-cut patterns in the Central Plains
1 The shape is exaggerated and general, the concept is the main focus, and the spirit is transformed
Exaggerated shape, deformation, and abstraction are the main characteristics of Central Plains paper-cutting (see the appreciation and metaphorical explanation of the characteristics of Central Plains folk paper-cutting). On this basis, the author endows the work with great imagination, leaving room for infinite aftertaste and association. Pillow top designs are popular in rural areas of Sanmenxia, ??Anyang and Puyang in Henan Province, mainly in the style of cutting flowers, melons, lotuses and pomegranates. The patterns on the pillow tops cut by folk artists are extremely general and exaggerated, and their cutting skills are superb. They have greatly developed on the basis of highlighting the physical image. The patterns cut by the artists are not only luxuriant with leaves, flowers, and leaves, but also exaggerated, general, and concise, compressing the branches of melons and vines in reality to the shortest limit. Even melons and vines are as pleasing to the eye as flowers. It’s really unimaginable and tasteless.
2 The sword technique is simple, simple and full of fun
From the examples cited above, we can see the display and application of simple, concise, and endlessly interesting knife skills. There is nothing superfluous or superfluous in these works, and there is no sense of artificiality. Even the colors The same goes for application. When folk paper-cutting artists take whatever paper they have around them at will, whether it is black, white, red, or ordinary newspapers or book paper, it does not affect their "language" narration, and all express their straightforward and passionate feelings about life. The pursuit is as simple as "earth" but also extremely exquisite. We believe that this is the preciousness of folk art. Everything we feel about it comes from the bottom of our hearts, and is a direct expression of our thoughts without any extraneous pretense or modification. The simple emotions permeating the pictures will impress and infect every viewer. Everyone loves life; at the same time, it gives people a relaxed, pleasant, and endless aftertaste of fun and comfort. For example, the mother-in-law named Zhao Wang from the Huanghetan District of Puyang County has a very concise style of knife skills, mostly focusing on seeking spiritual pleasure. The cat she cuts has only fourteen cuts on the body, folded in half, and one cut is double. The face is cut out of the carving, with both a beard and a mouth. The expression on the face echoes the high-raised tail, as if answering "Mimi" to the owner, showing off with great dignity.He looks like an expert at catching mice. The seemingly childish knife skills and shapes give people a sense of simplicity and childishness.
3 The atmosphere of life is rich, decoration and practicality coexist
Central Plains paper-cut art has its unique decorative properties. Any art has its own unique decorative techniques and performance effects. The reason why the art of paper-cutting has endured forever is that it has strong vitality and appeal and is deeply loved by people. If the style and content of paper-cutting have nothing to do with peoples lives, it will inevitably become a castle in the air and will never have such strong vitality. Take "window grilles" as an example, they are a perfect combination of decoration and practicality. "Window grilles" are paper-cuts affixed to the windows. They are hot and gorgeous. Each window pane has a frame, including a swimming dragon, a flying phoenix, a lotus, a carp, a golden rooster, a farm cow... In terms of the practicality of the "window grilles", "Window flower" is called "window bright" in Anyang area in northern Henan, and its original meaning is "window is bright and breathable". The cutouts (sometimes with colors) of flowers, birds, poultry and animals not only circulate the air, but also beautify the decorative environment. Its combination of decoration and practicality is so appropriate and practical. Natural, tight, and seamless.
