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Ding Cong: Art-toonist
It’s wonderful when parents do right by their kids, in spite of themselves. Ding Cong’s father was a famous cartoonist, yet refused to teach his son to draw, believing that virtually any other career path would be more rewarding. Doing something while telling your child he can’t will get him to try everything from smoking to patching a roof. In Ding Cong’s case, nothing could keep him from the colored pencils, and by 17 he was publishing, never to alter his cartooning course.
But our purpose here is to present Ding Cong as an artist, and not in the spirit of generosity with which one might also call Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, an artist. In the first place, although his subject matter is almost without exception straightforward and entertaining, it also boasts a sophistication, a graphic insight and wordlessly wry commentary, that makes him at least as much artist as cartoonist.
The time he lived in no doubt helped him develop his marvelous sense of humor, as a weapon to wield against iniquity and decadence. Born in 1915, he did plenty of propaganda work along with his own, against both the Japanese invasion and Communist insurgents. Someone on the People’s Committee must have been a fan, for his subversive work never earned him a reprisal other than a quiet censorship, and that not until 1957.
So can you call a cartoonist an artist? You be the judge.
Refusing Banquets: “Don’t worry! The Head is on a diet.”
Ding Cong has a sharp nose for the folly power inspires, no matter what ideology it comes cloaked in. A good cartoonist makes you laugh, an artist can make you laugh and cry simultaneously.
What We Have Seen in Chengdu
A well-worn theme for social commentary, to be sure, but such pathos and gluttony side by side raise the emotional effect. And how often do you see light and shadow employed with such skill by a mere cartoonist?
Empiricist: The back door should open eventually.
The sign says “Please use the front entrance.” Who’s to say the delivery man is lazy? Much larger wrongs are committed in the name of scientific experimentation.
Li Lilli/ Wang Renmei
All the sensitivity to society’s plight in the world won’t help you with women. Anyone get the idea Mr. Ding sees the fairer sex as more than a little scary?
The Story of Getting the Fur: I The Story of Getting the Fur: II
Then again, maybe he has a point.
Three Monks Want to Have Tea
The point to this one is a little less clear for those unfamiliar with Mandarin and Chinese children’s stories. The sign says “Closed because no one will carry water.” According to the parable, one monk will carry water, two will help each other carry more, but add a third and nothing gets done – they’re each waiting for the other two to get a move on.
Someone call Clive Barker; this could be the creepiest movie concept yet. Notice the other arm hanging limply, waiting to be pulled on. Wait – this isn’t about the undead; this is about the superficiality of external beauty, or life’s transcience, or something heavy like that. It’s nice to enjoy a picture enough to forget it’s art.
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The Cartoons and Art of Ding Cong,” will celebrate the life and work of China’s famous cartoonist and artist, Ding Cong, who provided daring social commentary on Chinese society during China’s turbulent 20th century.
50 inch tv
You got it, … sex toys.
This is some really nice artwork.
The art here is increditble! So creative!
I love this, I so want to travel to Chine, millenary country.
The paintings were nice especially the one of the woman
I am really surprised…..I never seen this kind of art work… you really had a good talent Keep up
Thnks
those were some really nice paintings.. loved them
These are fabulous paintings, what a great existence
Hey its marvellous painting…. Its unbeatable…… keep posting latest painting too..
Thanks in advance
One monk will carry water, two will help each other carry more, but add a third and nothing gets done – sounds like politicians!
Excellent post, thank you very much for taking the time to share with those who are found of paintings.
Ding Cong is a perfect example for asian art culture. I wonder if I can ever see his works in my hometown new york.
It is definitely heart warming to know that Chinese Artist and Cartoonist are one of the most sought after in the world right now. As a Chinese, this is a proud moment.
Ding Cong is really a talented Chinese cartoonist. We hope more like him will appear soon.
Funny how nobody ever wants their kids to follow their choosen career.
Chinese are very artistic! They derived it from their old culture. Up to know there are a lot of chinese in the cartoon industry, and for sure, are doing great!
I really likes Ding Cong Art. Very Artistic.
What can I say. Another great article, I never seen a good cartoonist such as Ding Cong.
Wow people even make a Library of Congress symposium for him, “Public Art and Illustrations: The Cartoons and Art of Ding Cong,” will celebrate the life and work of China’s famous cartoonist and artist, Ding Cong, who provided daring social commentary on Chinese society during China’s turbulent 20th century.
I should say his works combines both art and critics…I totally agree that an artist can make you laugh and cry simultaneously, so he is more than a cartoonist…
great article, Ding Cong is great cartoonist, he is really talent
His drawings reminds of the cartoons of Reader’s Digest books. Funny cartoons.
What talent. Great artwork and a brilliant artist.
Ding Cong is definitely the up and coming star.
He's dead, PS. Like your link. Public speaking doesn't count for much when you don't know what you're publicly speaking about.
This artist is really funny. I love cartoons.
I like the black and white drawings most.
Great to see art from different cultures
I love Chinese artist like!