The influence of Chinese arts and culture is felt around the world, the endowment of a long history of creativity. However, politics at certain junctures in imperial times and more recently under Communist rule has been a destructive force for many artists. There is no denying that censorship today inhibits many mainland artists and writers from reaching the full extent of their creative powers. Despite this, Chinese artists are winning increasing recognition at home and abroad. Writers in particular are making a mark. Jiang Rong won the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize in 2007 for the novel, Wolf Totem. And now two Chinese authors, Wang Anyi and Su Tong , are in the running for the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. Su also won the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2009.
Popular demand for good literature remains as strong as ever despite efforts to harness expression for political purposes. Bookshops line the streets of every major city stocking novels from a wide range of cultures. E-books have been eagerly embraced. Influences from outside have also been important in Chinese artistic works. Many writers including Wang herself risked persecution to continue reading, sharing books, and participating in artistic pursuits during the Cultural Revolution.
The inclusion of Su and Wang as finalists in an international literary award is perhaps more a reflection of the changing nature of the publishing industry rather than any change in quality of Chinese work. Both Su and Wang have been celebrated and successful writers for decades.
Nevertheless, the appreciation of such Chinese works in translation is a sign that there are certain values and anxieties about the human condition which are universal and speak across languages and cultures. They are being recognised for the same reason that Liu Xiaobo , a literary critic, was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize. They all articulate what it means to be human, and they will always have an audience, so long as the world continues to hold those values dear.
