Ma Baozhong

Unlike other Beijing artists whose art also reflect on the contemporary society, Ma Baozhong’s art does not follow the common academy styles of Political Pop Art or Cynical Realism. Instead, Ma developed a fresh approach of social commentary and critique with personal style and traces of Socialist Realism. Through his interest and knowledge of history and politics, Ma’s art reflects on social and political concerns both within China and on the global stage. In his commentary and critique, Ma consciously removes himself from any obvious viewpoints, and adopts the position of the neutral observer for a number of reasons. Firstly, similar to a political journalist, Ma must maintain a certain degree of professionalism, and not be automatically subjected to what is considered politically correct viewpoints or popular opinions. Secondly, from a neutral observer’s position, Ma shields himself from possible political attacks on him and his art. However, Ma’s compositions cleverly constructed and encoded with artistic language. When carefully read by the learned art viewer, one can read into Ma’s mind, and decode his subtle commentary and critique.