Created during 1981 – 1984, Portraits of Homeland is a series of works depicting peasants in Dabashan mountain areas in Sichuan province; it also enjoys the greatest popularity in Luo’s early period besides Father, which made him great reputation. With a clear theme, these works on diligent and simple peasants show the close relation not only between man and the earth, but also between Luo Zhongli and the peasants.
The works like Blow Dregs, Cross the Threshold, Make Tofu, Clear up the Mess and Twine the Knitting Wool are indeed touching to many. Rather than typify and generalize the image of peasant in Father, Portraits of Homeland depicts trifling matters in peasants’ life, which are seemingly irrelevant to the main theme, but present the most real aspect of peasants’ life.
Luo Zhongli has cherished a profound affection for peasants since he had lived in a village of Dabashan mountain area far away from urban areas when he was young. It wouldn’t be possible for the being of excellent works like Portraits of Homeland without Luo Zhongli’s deep feelings for the peasants and close observation to their real life, serving as the major factors that make the works touching and charming. |