Past Exhibitions
- Feature Exhibition
Qi Baishi: Master of Modern Chinese Painting
"Birds and Animals," "Insects" - January 30, 2019 - March 17, 2019
The Chinese painter Qi Baishi (1864–1957), known for his clean ink lines and simple colors, has risen in recent years to extraordinary international prominence and popularity. This exhibition, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China, features masterworks from the Beijing Art Academy, to which the artist's family donated many works, together with significant paintings from the Kyoto National Museum's Suma Collection, which have long been preserved in Japan. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to view some of Qi Baishi's greatest works from leading collections in both countries.
The exhibition has two installations:
Part I: January 30－February 24, 2019
Part II: February 26－March 17, 2019
Birds and Animals: Captivating Gazes
After boldly brushing flowers and trees, Qi Baishi would add life to his scenes with birds such as ducks, chickens, and hawks. A particularly striking aspect of these birds is their expressive eyes. Baishi learned the importance of depicting birds with a sense of dynamism from his mentor, Hu Qinyuan (1847–1914). This teaching is reflected in his birds' human-like gazes.
Insects: Precise Depictions with Matchless Technique
Qi Baishi is said to have enjoyed closely observing insects and capturing their forms. Although he tends to be thought of as an artist who favored simpler representations in his works, Baishi’s intricate depictions of insects astonish with their precise grasp of the fine details of antennas and the patterns of legs and wings. His use of empty space in placing tiny insects on the page also exemplifies his artistic sensibilities.
Other Galleries
Feature Exhibition
Qi Baishi: Master of Modern Chinese Painting
【Gallery 2F-1】"Flowers and Trees"
【Gallery 2F-3】"Insects," "Fish and Shrimp," "Landscapes"
【Gallery 2F-4】"Landscapes," "Gods and Human Figures," "Calligraphy and Seals," "Study"
Related Exhibition
【Gallery 2F-5】Masterworks of Qi Baishi from the Suma Collection
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