97.

Zhao Yannian (1924-2014)

Nightmare Series No. 1

1989

Woodblock print

58 x 49 cm

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In the late 1970s, during the brief period of ‘Scar’ art – so named for the 1978 novella Scar (Shanghen) by Lu Xinhua – writers and artists felt able to express their feelings about the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). Zhao Yannian has written openly about his terrible experiences during those years and made the hauntingly expressive Nightmare series on this theme. This print, however, is dated June 1989, which is likely a reference to the events at Tian’anmen Square that month.

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Muban Educational Trust registration number zhayn005