Workforce: Representing Labour in Chinese Propaganda Posters

March 6–April 21, 2012
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Curated by Elizabeth Parke
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University of Toronto Art Centre

Workforce: Representing Labour in Chinese Propaganda Posters examines representations of the worker in order to reconsider the toiling body in Chinese artistic production and to illuminate how ideas of work are mobilized in the name of nation building. Exploring what is at stake – politically, socially, aesthetically – in representing a nation’s workforce, the posters present vivid depictions of the theme of work as state propaganda. Produced between the years 1963 – 1967, the posters convey the importance of manual labour during this tumultous time.

The exhibition has been timed to coincide with the Association of Asian Studies Annual Conference, the premier conference for Asia scholars in North America.

Opening Reception

Friday March 16, 2012, 6-9pm
University of Toronto Art Centre

Lecture

The Many Faces of Mao Zedong
Friday March 2, 2012, 5-7pm
Featuring Dr. Minna Valjakka
University of Toronto Art Centre

Our Supporters

We gratefully acknowledge the project support from the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation.
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Title Image: Weng Yizhi, Through one’s own efforts and hard work make the country strong build the homeland, 1964. Offset print. Collection of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto.