Subjective imagery in Chinese folk paper-cut patterns
The paper-cut artists are very emotional and show their true feelings from their simplicity. It is a direct expression of subjective self-expression and a reflection of deep emotions in the soul. Esthetician Susan Lange said: "Artwork is essentially a form of expression of emotion." Manet once said: "Color is completely a matter of interest and emotion." Peoples joys, anger, sorrows, etc. , not only can be expressed through lines, but also different interesting colors can be used to express emotions. Only colors with emotions are the concentrated expression of the color of peoples lives. The red color in folk paper-cutting is the most festive and emotional color, and is full of symbolic meanings, such as prosperous days and prosperous people. "Red, green, and auspicious combinations" is also a saying often said by paper-cutting artists. It is a form of expression of subjective emotions. It not only reflects peoples aesthetic taste, but also peoples psychological needs for peace and auspiciousness. It can be said that paper-cutting artists can not only give emotions to colors, but also give colors a human meaning. The subjective image color is not a true reproduction of the natural color of the objective object, but changes its hue, boldly and subjectively strengthening the color of the object based on experience and unique intuition. The subjective image of discoloration here is a discoloration that is acceptable to people with common sense, such as a red flower that can turn into an orange flower. The other is the discoloration of the subjective image that goes against reason, such as the entire character turning red, and the red flowers turning into blue flowers. The above are all color changes based on the needs of the picture form, and are truly innovative changes.
"Rich Rat" Nanjing Zhang Fanglin
The paper-cut work "Rich Mouse" by Zhang Fanglin, the fourth generation successor of Nanjing Jinling Shenjing, and "Good Luck" by Jilin Zhang Chunying, are all excellent works that have been processed by the authors subjectivity. In the former work, peonies of various colors are used to surround a cute mouse, which has a profound meaning; in the latter work, red lotus flowers are used on a black background to highlight the nine recurring fish in the middle of the picture. They have red balls on their heads, one after the other, carrying on the tradition of "more than one year after year".The subject matter and modern artistic concepts are organically integrated, reflecting profound cultural connotations. In reality, lotus flowers and leaves are not all red, but to meet the needs of the picture, the color can be changed subjectively. Of course, the color change of the subjective image must conform to the formal beauty rules of the picture and the general aesthetic rules of people, thus reflecting the simple folk view of color. Matisse said: "Completely changing the color and shape of the objects depicted does not betray the natural phenomena, but rather elevates them to an ideal state..." It can be seen that the color interest pursued by paper-cutting artists is The free ideal colors that belong to subjective imagery are a direct reflection of their emotional thinking characteristics and have natural selective characteristics with original meaning. It emphasizes subjective consciousness and pursues inner feelings. It is in an idealized psychological state, has obvious imagery, and can touch the depths of the soul. Moreover, this subjective imagery color can most directly reflect the emotions of the paper-cutting artist. Color Essence.
"Good Luck at the Head" Jilin Zhang Chunying
Ku Shulan is known as the flower-cutting lady. Her color-blocked paper-cut "Flower-cutting Lady" is a work with strong color imagery. In terms of coloring, the author boldly and skillfully combines natural colors and ideal colors based on his own subjective feelings, making the entire paper-cut pattern bright, lively and showing flowing beauty. Just like music, it is full of tension and vitality. It is also a color that contains affection, reflecting the realm of "wandering where the mind goes". It has a strong decorative effect and has a dreamlike romantic and mysterious color.
In short, paper-cut artists pay great attention to the subjective expression of emotional color and the creation of artistic conception when creating, and their works often have a strong lyricism. There is no need to worry about the authenticity of colors. Using a few colors at will can make the work vivid, natural and unique.
