Long Shou Nian Ma Shulin
The dragon is a unique cultural symbol created by the Chinese over thousands of years, and the characteristics of dragons in different eras are different: the Shang and Zhou dragons embody a sense of mystery, the Spring and Autumn Warring States dragons are more varied, the Qin and Han dragons are more powerful, the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties dragons are more fluttering, the Tang Dynasty dragons are more gorgeous, and the dragons after the Song Dynasty are more majestic. Although the body of the dragon has changed endlessly, it has always represented the Chinese nation's respect for nature, the integration of diverse cultures, and the great cohesion, infinite creativity and infinite vitality of the Chinese nation.
Long Feng Tu Ma Shulin
There are different theories about the origin of dragons. Around 5,000 years ago, jade dragons were found in the late period of Lingjiatan and Songze culture to the early stage of Liangzhu culture, and the jade carved dragon of Hongshan culture is the most common, and there are painted dragons and clay dragons in Hongshan culture. At the same time, in Fuxin City, Liaoning Province, held in Fuxin City, Liaoning Province with the theme of "8,000 years of West Liaohe Civilization Light" as the theme of the first Chahai Forum, from the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Chinese Archaeological Society and other cultural and archaeological institutions more than 40 industry experts to discuss the important discoveries of the Chahai site, in 1982 in Liaoning Fuxin Mongolian Autonomous County, Shala Town, North Chahai Village, excavated 8000 years ago the important Neolithic early cultural site - "Chahai Ruins", a 19.7 meters long, 1.8 meters to 2 meters wide "stone pile dragon" It was discovered, and if it is said from this, the "stone pile dragon" is the earliest and largest dragon image of the archaeological discovery.
Legend has it that in ancient times, people depicted the strange animal images they saw in the form of "dragons", thus forming a mysterious worship of dragons. In ancient Chinese myths and legends, dragons are called the four spirits along with phoenixes, unicorns, and crows. Legend has it that the image of the dragon comes from crocodiles, snakes, pigs, etc., but most experts believe that the dragon is a totemic complex composed of nine animal body parts with snakes as the main body, including shrimp eyes, antlers, bull's mouth, dog nose, cat's whiskers, lion's mane, eagle claws, fish scales, and snake body.
Dragon Dance Spring Breeze Ma Shulin
In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of dignity and power, the dragon is regarded as the emperor and ruler, and the emperor is called the "true dragon son of heaven"; it is a symbol of wisdom, bravery and strength, and often plays the role of a hero or protector in legends and stories, conveying the values and moral code of Chinese culture. At the same time, dragons have a close relationship with water. The dragon king is regarded as the god in charge of the water, has the ability to control the waters, is regarded as a god who can travel clouds and rain, bless the agricultural harvest, every Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and other festivals, the dragon and lion dance is an indispensable folk performance, people hold a model of the dragon, dance to the rhythm of the music, meaning to drive away evil and bad luck, pray for a happy and healthy New Year.
Dragon in the world Ma Shulin
The image of the dragon is also widely used in the fields of culture and art, whether it is painting, sculpture, or folk paper-cutting, embroidery, clay play, etc., the image of the dragon can often be seen. The dragon's form and lines are smooth and elegant, and they often appear on Chinese buildings, clothing, and utensils, bringing people the enjoyment of beauty. The word "dragon" is often used to describe something majestic and majestic, and sometimes the dragon appears on many cultural symbols such as flags, banknotes, stamps, etc.
Ruilong Year Ma Shulin
It has become my preference to express New Year's wishes with the help of the zodiac every year, and the dragon painting carries my wishes. Congratulations to friends with the beauty of the dragon: In 2024, the Year of the Dragon is off to a good start, and the blessings and longevity are full of auspiciousness.
(Text/Ma Shulin)
(Source: China Art Daily)
Artist Profile
Ma Shulin, born in Shenyang in 1956, is the former vice president of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts and the president and professor of the High School Affiliated to the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, the former executive deputy director of the National Art Museum of China, the former director of the Exhibition Qualification Review Committee of the China Art Museum, the 6th, 7th and 8th directors of the Chinese Artists Association, the deputy director of the 3rd and 4th Chinese Painting Art Committee, the member of the National Art Exhibition Jury Committee, the member of the Beijing Biennale Curatorial Committee, the member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, the librarian of the Beijing Research Museum of Culture and History, the director of the Academic Committee of the China Art Palace, the Painting and Calligraphy Institute of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History, the China National Academy of Painting, Distinguished researcher of the Chinese Academy of Arts.
His works have participated in many important art exhibitions at home and abroad and won awards, and he has held solo exhibitions at the Shanghai Art Museum, Shenzhen Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum, Shandong Arts and Crafts Institute Art Museum, China National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the National Museum of China. His works have been collected by the National Art Museum of China, the National Museum of China, the Shanghai Art Museum, the Guan Shanyue Art Museum in Shenzhen, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Great Hall of the People and other institutions. He has published a collection of paintings, "Brush and Ink Unbounded - Ma Shulin's Painting Collection", "Shulin Painting Play", "Chinese Painting Classics - Ma Shulin", "Shulin Painting - Ma Shulin's Chinese Painting Collection", "Shulin Painting - Ma Shulin's Chinese Painting Collection", the National Museum of China Famous Art Series "Shulin Freehand - Ma Shulin's Chinese Painting Works", "My Painting Is Me-Ma Shulin Art Anthology" photo collection "Tibet Travel", etc.