Guangzhou, China, March 28, 2025 – Steven Zhao, Canada & World Report –On March 20, 2025, the "Sky Stage" at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport hosted a grand feast of calligraphy and painting art—"Splendid Colors of Heaven and Earth: An Exhibition of Fine Lingnan Calligraphy and Painting by Five Artists." Jointly organized by the Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co., Ltd., and the Guangdong Calligraphy Critics Association, this exhibition showcases the profound heritage and distinctive charm of Lingnan calligraphy and painting.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Bringing Art to the Public
The theme of the exhibition, Splendid Colors of Heaven and Earth, highlights the deep connections between art and nature, as well as history and the contemporary era. As a cultural and artistic hub at the forefront of China’s reform and opening-up, Lingnan has long been renowned for its unique artistic style. From Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao to Guan Shanyue and Lin Fengmian, Lingnan calligraphy and painting carry a rich historical legacy and have nurtured countless artistic masters.
This exhibition features five renowned Lingnan artists—Wang Shiguo, Zheng Rongming, Liu Yushan, Wu Youhua, and Wang Jia—who have dedicated themselves to artistic exploration in this vibrant region. Through diverse brushstrokes and artistic styles, they depict profound reflections on nature, life, and the universe.
The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections: Fragrance of Calligraphy and Ink, The Spirit of Jinshi, Graceful Bird and Flower Rhythms, Homeland Landscapes, and Zen-Inspired Ink Paintings, displaying a total of 77 exquisite calligraphy and painting works. Each section presents the artists’ unique creative journeys and styles, offering an insightful exploration of Lingnan’s cultural spirit and artistic excellence.
The Brilliant Creations of Five Distinguished Artists
During the opening ceremony, the five participating artists personally introduced their works, sharing the inspirations and stories behind their creations:
Wang Shiguo's calligraphy strikes a balance between strength and fluidity, exuding grandeur and dynamism while embodying the resilience of engraved stone. His wild cursive script integrates ink tones, layering, texture, and composition, achieving a seamless blend of structure and spontaneity. With an unrestrained yet harmonious aesthetic, his work radiates a unique artistic character. Infused with profound symbolism and vivid imagery, his calligraphy captivates the viewer, offering both visual impact and philosophical depth that resonate on a deeper level.
Wang Shiguo
Zheng Rongming, Executive Chairman of the Guangdong Calligraphy Critics Association, demonstrated profound calligraphy skills. His works harmoniously blend the spirit of traditional calligraphy with modern innovation, skillfully balancing ink density and brush strength to create dynamic expressions.
Zheng Rongming
Liu Yushan, an Associate Professor at the School of Fine Arts, South China Normal University, specializes in bird-and-flower painting. Her works exhibit rich layers, where ink and color interplay to bring vitality and elegance. Her depictions of peonies, lotuses, and plum blossoms exude a lively spirit and emotional resonance with nature.
Liu Yushan
Wu Youhua, a distinguished Lingnan calligrapher and painter as well as a member of the China Calligraphers Association, integrates both traditional and contemporary aesthetics in his work. His calligraphy is inspired by Song Dynasty styles, embodying historical depth while incorporating modern artistic thought. Meanwhile, his landscape paintings capture the essence of Jiangnan’s idyllic scenery, blending freehand brushwork with meticulous detailing.
Wu Youhua
Wang Jia, a senior research fellow at the Guangdong Museum of Art, has devoted years to studying 20th-century Chinese art history. His calligraphy combines the fluidity of Tang Dynasty cursive script with a strong, vigorous brushstroke, showcasing a distinctive personal style. His bird-and-flower paintings, influenced by calligraphy, employ bold compositions and vibrant colors, exuding a contemporary artistic flair.
Wang Jia
Exhibition Reviews and Artistic Exchange
Beyond the outstanding exhibits, a post-opening art critique and discussion session brought together esteemed art critics and calligraphy enthusiasts for in-depth conversations about the showcased works.
Distinguished scholar and critic Professor Xu Xiaonan, Zheng Rongming, Lin Yajie, and Xie Tianci, a researcher at the China National Academy of Painting, provided insightful analyses of the exhibition. They unanimously agreed that the five artists’ works effectively capture the distinct essence of Lingnan culture, blending artistic techniques with aesthetic elegance. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic vision underscores the historical depth and evolving spirit of Lingnan art.
Art as a Cultural Bridge: Engaging the Public and Embracing the Future
The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Art Gallery, located in Terminal 2, serves as a public art space with international influence. As a global transportation hub, the airport welcomes thousands of travelers daily, making this exhibition an exceptional opportunity to integrate art into public life. Moving beyond conventional galleries, the exhibition brings Lingnan calligraphy and painting into a dynamic, high-traffic environment, significantly enhancing accessibility and appreciation.
By reaching a diverse audience, this exhibition extends beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. In such a multicultural setting, art is not merely displayed but also fosters dialogue and cross-cultural exchanges. Whether through the expressive brushwork of calligraphy or the vivid landscapes and flora depicted in paintings, each piece reflects the spirit and beauty of Chinese culture. Through their works, the artists engage in a silent yet profound conversation with audiences, ensuring that Lingnan culture continues to flourish on a broader stage.
The Global Perspective of Lingnan Culture
In an interview, participating artist Wang Jia shared his thoughts:
"Lingnan culture has long been at the crossroads of national and global influences. To lead trends means not only guiding artistic evolution in Lingnan but also addressing how we, as artists, define our contemporary international identity and mission. ‘Going out and inviting in’ has always been the twin pillars of artistic exchange. The Baiyun International Airport Art Gallery, situated at a cultural and spatial intersection, naturally embodies this curatorial vision. If the setting itself provides the exhibition with an inherent international presence, then the unrestricted, open-minded, and adaptable spirit of Lingnan art—one that remains timeless and relevant regardless of the international context—infuses this exhibition with both artistic and academic depth."
Distinguished Guests at the Opening Ceremony
The grand opening was attended by numerous esteemed guests, including:
Chen Yongkang, Art Advisor of the Guangdong Chinese Painting Society
Luo Guang, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, South China Normal University
Lin Yajie, Consultant to the Guangdong Provincial CPPCC Calligraphy and Painting Institute
Additionally, notable experts, scholars, and art enthusiasts from major art institutions and philanthropic organizations—including the Guangdong Lantai Happiness Culture Public Welfare Foundation—were also present to support the event.
Exhibition Duration and Future Prospects
"Splendid Colors of Heaven and Earth: An Exhibition of Fine Lingnan Calligraphy and Painting by Five Artists" will run until May 20, 2025, offering art lovers ample opportunity to experience the masterpieces on display.
This exhibition not only showcases the exceptional talents of five prominent Lingnan artists but also serves as an important platform for artistic exchange and learning. As the event progresses, an increasing number of visitors will have the chance to appreciate and engage with these extraordinary works, further deepening their understanding of Lingnan’s rich cultural heritage.
Through this exhibition, Lingnan calligraphy and painting are poised to gain greater national and international recognition, solidifying their place as a vital component of Chinese cultural identity on the global stage.
