34.

Li Hua (1907-94)

Building the Reservoir

1959

Woodblock print

28 x 40 cm

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This print shows the enthusiastic labour of masses constructing a reservoir. Since it is dated 1959, it is likely a revolutionary romantic view of the Three Gorges Project. An enormously complex undertaking, the dam was heavily promoted by Chairman Mao during the Great Leap Forward (1958-62), but engineering problems prevented its construction for forty years; it was finally completed in 2006. Compare the style of this propaganda imaginary with no. 36, a patriotic landscape also featuring the Three Gorges.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number livhv025