Visitors admire a painting created by Gao Yun at He Xiangning Art Museum.
A painting created by Luo Ruilan.
A visitor observes a painting created by Zhan Yingdan. Photos by Cao Zhen
Visitors admire a painting created by Liang Guihua at He Xiangning Art Museum.
A painting created by Feng Damei.
In these scorching summer days, it is highly recommended to experience the allure of "The Fragrance From the Ink" exhibition at the He Xiangning Art Museum. The exhibition showcases a collection of elegant paintings and calligraphic works selected from the art museum’s advanced art training program for women.
Initiated in 2020, the program has conducted four editions, inviting esteemed fine art institute professors and art museum directors as instructors. Participants in the program are required to possess basic skills in painting or calligraphy.
At the exhibition, one can sense that despite being crafted by amateur painters, the paintings, be it an elegant flower-and-bird portrayal or a grand landscape painting, exude a remarkable level of skill, reflecting the passionate dedication and artistic pursuit of the female painters involved.
Sun Hongmin, an instructor in the program, expressed that female artists often infuse their works with a unique perspective shaped by diverse life experiences, thereby injecting the art world with fresh vitality and depth. Through this exhibition, she hopes the public can recognize the unlimited creative potential of women in the realm of art.
Zhang Shuang, a participant in the training program, highlighted that the program not only honed their artistic skills but also cultivated virtues such as patience, dedication, and perseverance. Moreover, it broadened their horizons and refined their artistic sensibilities.
A celebrated revolutionary and artist both locally and internationally recognized, He Xiangning (1878-1972) devoted her lifetime to advancing women's education and intellect. In 1924, she established three schools for female laborers in Guangzhou, alongside night schools and art institutions for women.
The He Xiangning Art Museum, bearing her name, not only conserves and displays her artworks but also carries on her legacy of championing women's education. The advanced art training program for women stands as a testament to this enduring commitment.
Cai Xianliang, director of the He Xiangning Art Museum, emphasized that although each edition of the program is brief, the program provides the female art enthusiasts with invaluable opportunities to receive guidance from masters, enabling them to surmount creative barriers and elevate their artistic expressions.
Dates: Through June 30
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays
Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District
Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station, Exit C