Nativist Art
Hierarchy classification:
Anotations
Scope note:
An art movement that prevailed in Taiwan in the 1970s, roughly concurrent with the Nativist Movement in literature and other spheres that reflected on Taiwan’s local identity in the face of political crisis and rapid industrialization. Under the influence of publications such as Lion Art, many artists shifted their fascination with Western modern art in the previous decade to the local and the traditional. Four trends can be identified within the multifaceted movement. First, the naive style of suren artists (artists without formal training) such as Hung T’ung and Ju Ming earned high esteem. Second, typical scenes and objects of Taiwan became popular subjects, usually depicted in Nostalgic Realist or Super-realist style. Third, major artists from the period of the Japanese rule regained attention and recognition. Finally, there was a surge in the study of folk art and a growing concern about preserving traditional architecture and other forms of heritage. The movement marked a major shift in Taiwanese modern art history and is thought to have played a significant role in the formation of Taiwanese identity.