23 July 2017

Shilin county, with breathtaking natural scenery, splendid and fascinating ethnic customs, was approved by the then Ministry of Culture of P.R.China to become the county of modern Chinese folk painting in 1988.

Autumn view, Wo Xiaotao (photo from the Internet)  

Farmer painting is an art form rooted in agricultural life. Typical farmer paintings are hand-painted with gouache watercolors on paper. Their vibrant colors, thick lines and exaggerated figurative patterns enable Chinese farmers to depict rural life and express their views.

Torch festival and harvest, Zhu Lin

The vibrant farm paintings, a unique genre of Chinese folk art, capture the rural life and area visual representation of the joy, labor, and folk celebration. They are a colorful fusion of traditional Chinese symbols, myths, and cultural practices.  Common themes include farmers working in the fields, abundant harvests, prayers for blessings, folk celebrations, the harmony between man and nature, and the interdependency of the farmers with the land and the weather.

The farm paintings not only document the hardships and joys of rural life but also serve as a window into China's rich cultural heritage. These paintings have been recognized worldwide for their unique style and subject matter, often representing a fusion of traditional and modern elements. The paintings are a living testament to the resilience and creativity of the Chinese people, particularly in their rural communities.

Farm working in the field, Zhang Yiming (photo from the Internet)

In recent years, farm paintings of Shilin county have been displayed in various exhibitions and cultural events, serving as a bridge between Shilin and the outside world. There are many farmer-turned-painters in Shilin county, among whom, Jin Niu, Yi ethnic minority, is the most well known. Over the past decades, Jinniu has devoted himself to the research and creation of ethnic and folk art. He has created much works portraying the development of the Shilin’s rural areas by depicting scenes of rural life, bountiful harvests and satisfied families, and his works earned national prizes and have been collected by China Folk Art Museum. Some of his works even have been exhibited in foreign countries.

Golden hometown, Jin Niu ( (photo from the Internet)