Harmony in Art: Sun Yinchang's Journey from Rural Realism to Contemporary Symbolism

Abstract

The study explores the multifaceted artistic journey of Sun Yinchang, a self-taught "peasant painter" from rural northern China, whose fusion of realism and symbolism in oil paintings forms a captivating narrative. The study explores his unconventional artistic development, emphasizing his departure from academic paths and the attainment of professional competence through personal perception. Operating as an outsider within the artistic system, Sun's career as a freelance artist without a fixed income serves as a valuable case study for contemporary youth aspiring to become oil painters outside established institutional frameworks. His unwavering commitment to rural life, thematic continuity in his work, and symbolic representations of memory, such as corn and agricultural tools, distinguish him from stereotypical portrayals of "peasants" and secure recognition within the domestic art industry. The comprehensive exploration employs qualitative inquiry and visual analysis, drawing insights from interviews with Sun and meticulous examination of his celebrated series. The abstract further analyzes Sun Yinchang's distinctive realistic style, the interplay of compositional form, the "top-down" perspective, and the symbolic implications of his chosen motifs, providing sociological insights into art and offering inspiration for contemporary artists aligning their work with personal concepts.