By Museum of Ethnic Cultures, Minzu University of China
Museum of Ethnic Cultures, Minzu University of China
The distinct, imaginative
aesthetics of these contemporary designs translate the inner worlds of
Miao women into exuberant lines and stylized
patterns. They illustrate the lively yet deeply reverent relationship with
nature and tradition that is at the core of Miao
family life.
Portrait of Zhang Meiling by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
29-year-old Zhang Meiling is a well-known paper-cutting artist in the small town of Shidong, she started learning this artistic skill from her mother since 6 years old. As a specialist of classic patterns based on Miao's legends, Zhang Meiling now is a guest professor at a local vocational college's Fine Art department, where hundreds of students are inspired by her and are willing to pass on this Intangible Cultural Heritage afterwards.
Step One — Draw Pattern
Locals call these artists “Xi-gei-bang”, most of them are also masterful embroiderers. Simple patterns can quickly be cut free-hand, but more complicated ones are first sketched in pencil, then cut with scissors or a knife.
Zhang Meiling is just getting started at her quiet work table, spreading out the paper her expertise will transform into art. She knows countless ancient stories of Miao by heart, and draws them according to her own imagination.
With a placid gaze and a fluid hand, intricate designs effortlessly roll off the tip of her pencil.
Sewing Layers Together by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Step Two — Sew Layers Together
When the drawing is finished, she
sews together several layers of paper, so that she can cut multiple copies in one time.
Step Three — Cut
Snip by snip, with each precise flick of her scissors, gradually, the design emerges.
Cutting the Paper Pattern 5 by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
In Miao folk religion, these cutouts are not just tools for embroidery; they provide tangible links to the spirits of their ancestors and nature.
Cutting the Paper Pattern 7 by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
While some cutouts are traditional designs, handed down from generation to generation, others are personal designs created by the artists.
Cutting the Paper Pattern 6 by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Seperating the Layers by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Step Four — Separate Layers
Step Five — Stick on the Cloth
A finished pattern is glued to a piece of cloth
Step Six — Fix the Paper Cutout to the Cloth by thread
Embroidering 2 by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Step Seven — Sew the Embroidery
The rise and fall of a needle and thread
turn the flat, monochrome paper into a vivid, textured piece of embroidery.
Finished Piece of Papercut in Zhang Meiling's Child's Textbook by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Finished Piece of Embroidery Based on Paper Cutout by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Entrance of Zhang Meiling's House by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Admirers of Zhang Meiling's work come to visit her almost everyday, asking for her advices. Buyers who finds her in the county fair always consult her on colors of the threads after purchasing the paper cutouts. Summer is the busy season for her, local women buy her works for embroideries, tourists also buy them for decorations.
Drawing Pattern by the Table 3 by Austin KramerOriginal Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Paper-cutting has been handed down from generation to generation, and it continues to thrive today.
Artists like Zhang Meiling, who combine tradition and innovation,make paper cutting a vibrant part of contemporary Miao culture.
In Collaboration with Riverbend Academy of Hmongology, Guizhou, China
--- Exhibition Crew ---
Culture Consultants: Yang Peide, An Hong
Project Coordinator: Cecilia Xiong
Exhibition Curator: Lin Wen (linwen@muc.edu.cn)
Chief Photographer: Austin Kramer
Other Photographers: Huang Xiaohai, Shi Kaibao, Lin Wen
Content Writer: Lin Wen
Translator: Austin Kramer, Li Yi, Liu Qing, Lin Wen
Proofreader: Austin Kramer
Video Clip Editor: Lin Wen
--- Mini Documentary Film Crew ---
Director: Lu Ying
Assistant Director: Zhang Te
Video Photographer: Zhi Yuehui, Zhang Te, Ji Xiang
Film Editor: Lu Ying, Zhi Yuehui, Suiwu Changjun
Script Writer: Yang Peide
Script Editor: Lin Wen
Color Adjust: Zhong Rujie, Zhi Yuehui
Music: Audio Jungle
Recording: Chenguang Recording Studio
