| Shi Xinning was born on 1969 in Liaoning Province, | | | | isolationist past world views. Humorously illustrating |
| China. Trained in China, Shi Xinning's paintings are | | | | the Chairman's import and omnipresence in 20th c |
| influenced by both social realism and European | | | | Chinese society Shi's insertion of Mao into the |
| styles. Using the authoritative qualities of both, Shi | | | | fabric of western collective conscience seems |
| embarks on history painting with a twist. Taking | | | | entirely plausible. Infusing the totems of |
| his imagery from iconic press photos, Shi's | | | | propaganda currency with a sense of normality |
| canvases faithfully represent the world as we | | | | and humility, Shi re-authors the most cherished |
| know it, the Yalta Conference in familiar 40s sepia | | | | moments of collective memory with a 'Forrest |
| tone, the Queen Mum in carriage emblazoned in | | | | Gump' effect, creating a specious mythology |
| newspaper black and white. It's only on second | | | | based in Hollywood schmaltz and unabashed |
| glance that Shi's alterations become evident. | | | | optimism. |
| Nestled between Churchill and FDR and conversing | | | | Conclusions: |
| happily with royalty, Mao takes his place amongst | | | | Shi Xinning had already established his own style |
| the great leaders of the 20th century. | | | | and the impact of the work had won him a |
| In China-fying history, Shi investigates dynamics | | | | strong reputation in Chinese art circles. |
| of both the west's Eurocentric, and China's | | | | What to Do Next... |