A land known for its many unique forms of artistic expression, China is also slowly emerging as the place for bold and creative ideas. Body painting is one such artistic trend that defies conventional art, and standing at the vanguard is Pang Guohua, a 44-year-old Chinese master artist specializing in body painting.

Following his success in producing works inspired by elements of traditional Chinese art in 2003, Pang is now engaged in a series recounting scenes from the well-known Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) drama The Romance of West Chamber.

"Previously, most of the body paintings in China were mere imitations of styles from different countries, sans originality. So I decided to carve out a new direction and work out a body painting style that is 'made in China,'" says Pang.

The genre, long dominated by the styles of Japan, Europe and America, has now begun to manifest itself in a purely Chinese form during the last few years.


Pang's creations Cheongsam and Miss Baochai Catches Butterflies.
However, if one studies the development of body painting in China carefully, it is clear that this art has far reaching historic and cultural roots. Facial makeup in Peking Opera is one of the most significant body painting examples in China, directly inspiring trends found in western styles. However, due to the resemblance of body painting to tattoo art, it was stigmatized in some literature to be that only worn by thugs and ruffians. As a result, its development in China was met with restriction and practically disappeared.

"In hoping to show body painting in a positive light, I chose to illustrate the touching classic story A Mother Tattoos Her Son at my first exhibition in Guangzhou in 2003, which achieved the desired result," says Pang.

It is through Pang's efforts that awareness of Chinese body painting is slowly spreading. Pang's works feature a unique combination of three elements: traditional Chinese painting technique, Chinese subject matter and the overall Chinese aesthetic.

Featuring covered bridges and pavilions complete with slender bamboo and full moon, his first work, The Romance of West Chamber in May 2003, immediately grabbed the attention it deserved. Using traditional techniques, Pang spent a full 16 hours covering the model from shoulders to knees.


Pang's creations Cheongsam and Miss Baochai Catches Butterflies.
Although Chinese body painting is still unknown by most, Pang is not at all short of human "canvases". In contrast, when a production company was hired to help recruit models back in 2003, after two months of searching, they still could not find anyone willing to participate, according to Pang.

"My staff and I had to explain the art to the models until they could understand and accept it," Pang says.

Pang attributes the difficulty in finding models to the perceived negative image of body painting prior to 2003.
"Someone used body painting models in making some distasteful advertisements, having an adverse effect on the art as a whole. It's obvious why people's attitude toward body painting is not so positive."

But change is now slowly taking place. After the success of Pang's works The Romance of West Chamber and A Mother Tattoos Her Son, finding a model was no longer a challenge. From professionals to amateurs, many volunteer to be Pang's models, some even insisting on working for free.


Body painting artist Pang Guohua.
According to Pang, many models are drawn to his art for its novelty, while a few come for the high wages being offered. Usually, a model can earn up to 1,000 yuan ($143.37) a day.

In light of the substantial cost and time involved in body painting, Pang has recorded the whole process on video, which in his opinion, can be used as an art education film.

Pang is uncertain about the future of this art form in China.
"Artists can only master and present their art, but they cannot control the public's perception of or attitude toward it."

Source: The Global Times