Site 18, September 28-October 10, Yanan, Shanxi Province

Folk Artist

Taoist Temple

Mao's head in local peasant's home

Thousands of clay Mao figures made by local folk artist, Wang Wenhai,

Lao Jiang, "Rock'n Roll on the Route of the New Long March," Flash Work

Chairman Mao's bodyguard in 1940's

It is said that in Mizhi, the most beautiful Northern Chinese women and the sweetest dates are found. The local women are famous for their mastery of Folk Art, particularly the technique of paper-cutting.

We will visit the local Women's Association and discuss the historical Long March. We will also address two questions: 1. In the 30s, when local women joined the Red Army and Long March, was it perceived as an act of feminism? 2. Is Folk Art "Art"?

We will also examine the act of creating "anonymous" art and its significance. Does the lack of authorship connote a "high" or "low" status? Within Chinese art circles, Folk Art has been marginalized. Similarly, Folk Art both Western and non-Western has been largely regarded by the West as "low" art.

We will mount an exhibition of these women's collaborative work.

Country Ritual

Cultural Center in a Cave

Chairman Mao Temple