Between Tradition and Modernity - The Influence of Western European and Russian Art on Revolutionary China

Focusing on the evolution of Modern art in China from the end of the Qing dynasty to the Great Leap Forward, this study examines how national culture and identity were shaped during a transformative period. It explores the tension between preserving traditional artistic heritage and the Communist ideology that sought to remodel cultural identity in line with Socialist ideals. The analysis highlights Mao's influence on defining a collective national identity and the role of arts in promoting a transition to a classless society, raising questions about the future of cultural identity.