The “Lotus Blossoms in Pairs, Plum Blossoms in Clusters – the Artistic World of Qi Baishi” exhibition was inaugurated yesterday at Wynn Palace.
Presented until February 15 and showcased at the integrated resort’s “Illuminarium” across two sections, the free-admission exhibition features the digitalised artworks of Xiangtan-born influential mainland Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864 -1957), along with 25 of his selected works and paintings, as well as several lotus themed works.
Qi, according to Wikipedia, is noted for the whimsical, often playful style of his works.
In a speech yesterday, Beijing Fine Art Academy President Wu Hongliang was quoted as saying that the 25 painting and calligraphy works symbolise the 25th Anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland, while the several lotus-themed artworks also reflect “the beauty of Xiangtan, Hunan–Qi Baishi’s hometown, also known as the ‘City of Lotuses’–and symbolising the deep connection between Macau, the ‘Island of Lotuses’, and Xiangtan”.
President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited Linda Chen Chih-ling said: “Through the combination of digital media technology and traditional aesthetics, this exhibition realises the perfect integration of Qi Baishi’s art of calligraphy and paintings with Macau as a Culture City of East Asia, allowing viewers, especially young people, to immerse themselves in the artistic world of Qi Baishi and motivating us to be dedicated to the promotion of Chinese culture in the world”.
Moreover, Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau President Wu Zhiliang added: “This exhibition not only promotes Chinese culture but also incorporates modern technology to offer visitors a fresh perspective of Qi Baishi’s art, demonstrating the in-depth integration between art and technology”.
Yesterday’s event also saw Beijing Fine Art Academy and Wynn jointly release four Qi Baishi prints to commemorate the artist’s 160th birthday, while a cooperative agreement on the founding of the Qi Baishi’s Art International Research Centre (Macao) was also signed. The centre, according to a Wynn Resorts statement provided yesterday, aims to connect Macau, Beijing and artists from all disciplines through Qi’s art.
Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Huang Liuquan; Legislative Assembly President Kou Hoi In; and Counsellor and Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR Gao Yuan were also among the guests attending yesterday’s opening ceremony.
President of the Beijing Fine Art Academy Wu Hongliang (second right) and President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited Linda Chen Chih-ling (second left) pose with other guests while holding up four Qi Baishi prints.
A children’s dance performance entitled “The Escaping Drop of Ink” takes place at Illuminarium at Wynn Palace in Cotai after yesterday’s inauguration. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
Qi’s art is showcased at Illuminarium at Wynn Palace.
