The artists of Dafen can paint like Van Gogh
The village of Dafen was once thought (produce) the most oil paintings in the world every year. (recognize) as the "world's art factory", Dafen impressed visitors with its many workshops, in which painters created mock masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet and Warhol. But the village was always seen more as a production line a place of culture. Today the future of Dafen may depend on it is able to earn respect of the art world.
Things started to change for Dafen in 2008, the global financial crisis cut down overseas orders. With more demand (come) from domestic market, artists began painting different subjects. New customers preferred Chinese styles, says painter in Dafen. He learnt the art of Shan Shui which involves representing natural landscapes. In some ways Dafen reflected the broader economy. As exports starts to decline as a share of GDP, domestic (consume) plays a larger role in driving growth.
China is the world's second-largest art market. it is not clear where Dafen fits in. Li Jinghu, an artist from nearby Dongguan, often visits the village hoping to discover new talent. But locals say the demand for their paintings (decline) in the past two pandemic-struck years. "Most people would probably be surprised that Dafen still exists. It does and it will,"says Lisa Movius, a writer in Shanghai who covers art.
