Art brings Chinese and Americans closer

The Cadillac Eldorado model was inspired by the Pop Art movement. Provided to China Daily

If you follow the development of modern art, you know the wonderful works by such artists as Robert Henri, Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol.

An ongoing exhibition, The Dramatic Journey for 110 Years - 2012 Cadillac Design and Art Show, have these big names in the lineup.

"The exhibition gives the opportunity to learn more about American culture and art through paralleled Chinese and American art works," curator Xiao Xiaolan says.

The first stop of the dramatic art journey is the early 20th century, when the Ashcan School emerged. Rather than creating beautiful scenes, the school portrayed the reality of the city. Ashcan School pioneer Robert Henri's Snow in NY is on display.

Arthur B. Davies' Elysian Fields interprets the emergence of Social Realism in the 1930s, when moral or social issues became a force in the American art. And American Pop Art legend Andy Warhol's classics Marilyn Monroe and Triple Elvis represent the period after World War II in the United States.

"At that time, Pop Art was the first school of art to reflect the power of film and television, which helped narrow the gap between art and the general public, and bring modern art to prosperity," Xiao says.

There are also works by leading contemporary Chinese artists, including Wang Guangyi, Zhang Xiaogang and Yue Minjun. Xiao says the spirit of making constant breakthroughs in modern art has also deeply influenced automotive design.

In the context of US history and culture, nine classic Cadillac productions and concept vehicles interpret the art of different periods and the evolution of Cadillac styling and technology over the past century.

The Eldorado model, for example, drew inspiration from the Pop Art movement, with its signature rear fins and integrated tail lamps inspired by aircraft of the 1950s.

"All Cadillac models reflect the minds of artists and the prominent styles of their times," Shanghai GM Cadillac Marketing Director Kevin Chen says.

lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn