Lunan Yi Autonomous County in the Yunnan highlands was officially recognized as a farmers' painting community in the 1980s. Although it is considered among some art experts as a relative newcomer in folk art, painters in the county have already developed a unique style. Even more importantly, folk painting in Lunan Yi has attracted all kinds of artists: Younger teachers and area youths are taking up the brush and creating works recognizable by such consistent themes as ethnic traditions, architecture and local folklore.

　　There is always the worry that such traditions will die out over time, but Sun says he is optimistic about the developments of this new generation of folk artists.

　　"If more and more people engage in the art, the threat of it disappearing will fade," he says. "Instead, young painters will continue the work started by their fathers."

　　FEATURED PAINTINGS

　　1. "Harvesting Flax" by Bi Wengui

　　2. "A Xi Dance under the Moonlight"  by Ang Guangshu

　　3. "Going to Attend a Wedding" by Bi Wengui

　　4. "The Legend of Ashima" by Bi Wenming

　　5. "Picking Mushrooms in the Stone Forest"  by Jiang Qingyun

　　6. "Offering a Sacrifice to the Earth" by Bi Wengui

　　7. "A Funeral of the Yi" by Bi Wenming

　　8. "Washing Linens" by Bi Wengui

　　9. "Erecting the Frame Structure of a New House"  by Zhang Jihong

　　Pictures reprinted with permission from "A Collection of Lunan

　　Modern Folk Paintings," Yunnan Fine Arts Publishing House.