A photo of Qi Baishi on display in the Memorial Hall of his former residence, which saw the launch of the cultural and tourism program "Qi Baishi in Shandong".[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Late ink artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) rose from humble beginnings as a painter and carpenter in rural Hunan province, to become a celebrated figure in Beijing's art circles. Having experienced firsthand the hardships that artists face, Qi was known for sharing this knowledge with younger artists who came to him for guidance.
This December, the Fine Art Research Exhibition of Qi Baishi and his Shandong Disciples will open at Shandong Art Museum in Jinan, showcasing a blend of artworks and digital installations. The exhibition will explore the influence that Qi's work had in Shandong through his mentorship of several renowned disciples from or connected to the province — Li Kuchan (1899-1983), Wang Xuetao (1903-82), Cui Zifan (1915-2011), and Xu Linlu (1916-2011), who are all artists of repute.
Works by Qi Baishi in the Memorial Hall of his former residence in Beijing's historic Nanluoguxiang alleyways.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The exhibition is a highlight of a newly launched culture and tourism integration program, "Qi Baishi in Shandong", initiated by Shandong's provincial government and Beijing Fine Art Academy, which will take their collection of Qi's artwork to Shandong.
In addition, several other exhibitions will take place throughout April in Jinan, Qingdao and Yantai art galleries named after Qi's four disciples, highlighting their individual contributions to Shandong's art scene.
Beyond the art world, the initiative also aims to enhance tourism by inviting visitors to experience the province's rich cultural heritage, scenic coastlines and celebrated culinary traditions.
A statue of Qi Baishi, created by Wu Weishan, in the courtyard of the Memorial Hall of Qi's former residence.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A comic of Qi Baishi in the courtyard of the Memorial Hall of his former residence.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Wu Hongliang, director of Beijing Fine Art Academy, introduces the "Qi Baishi in Shandong" program.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Children perform folk rhymes from Shandong at the launch ceremony.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
