Strength in Numbers

Painted in 1936, Strength in Numbers was put on display at the first annual exhibition of the Chinese Artists Association. It was also one of the pieces that Zhang Anzhi became known for. This painting depicts workers pulling a mine car up a slope. The momentum portrayed through the workers’ arms demonstrates life’s struggles, showing common people’s sufferings and struggles as well as the mighty, invincible will of the miners. The scene of the workers sweating under the scorching sun and making a concerted effort to push the car also implies the artist's concern for contemporary social situations. Zhang’s mastery of painting at such a large scale and his brilliant depiction of the people attracted wide attention in the contemporary Chinese art scene. This work was deemed a very significant piece in his time.