To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, this exhibition highlights the historical development of thematic art in New China and celebrates its artistic achievements. Focusing on case studies, the exhibition traces the origins and evolution of thematic art, examining its impact on Chinese artistic production in the mid to late 20th century during a highly specific historical period. Featuring more than 150 thematic works spanning from the 1930s to the present, the exhibition includes oil paintings, ink paintings, prints, sketches, sculptures, propaganda posters, and New Year pictures—most of which are landmark works from their respective eras.

The exhibition is organized into three sections:

Section I: The Leader and the Revolution

This section focuses on representations of Mao Zedong prior to 1949, highlighting his image and revolutionary deeds. It features artworks that portray the history of the Communist-led revolution, including depictions of the Red Army’s rise—from early sparks to a powerful force—on its path to eventual victory in defending the nation.

Section II: The Yan’an Spirit

Primarily featuring prints, this section begins with works from the 1930s and centers on printmaking in the revolutionary base areas before and after the Yan’an Forum on Literature and Art. Guided by Mao’s Talks at the Yan’an Forum and artistic experiments in bases such as Yan’an, this period laid the foundation for the direction of art in New China. After 1949, printmaking techniques evolved toward greater refinement and diversity.

Section III: The Pulse of the Era

This section reflects the defining characteristics of thematic art after the founding of the People’s Republic. In the early years, successive political movements gave rise to waves of theme-based artworks that not only mirrored the movements themselves but also exemplified the role of art in serving the ideological needs of the time. During the Reform and Opening-Up period, the changing demands of the era catalyzed a transformation in thematic painting. The evolution of subject matter and creative techniques, along with the liberation of thought and the emergence of new artistic concepts, brought greater diversity to thematic art and marked a significant historical shift in its development.