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Xu Beihong: Pioneer of Modern Chinese Painting

 

On view through January 29, 2012

 

Xu Beihong is a key figure in 20th century Chinese art. Drawn from the Xu Beihong Memorial Museum, the exhibition features 61 works including Chinese ink brush paintings, oil paintings, drawings, pastels, and calligraphy. Visitors can explore Xu Beihong’s career from early works including a 1918 landscape painting, drawings and paintings created during his studies in Europe, and several of his well-known and loved horse paintings. This is the first exhibition in North America to cover the full spectrum of work by this important artist, acclaimed by critics as the father of modern Chinese paintings.

 

A special ticket will be required for this exhibition and the complementary exhibition, Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of China’s Last Dynasty.

Xu Beihong: Pioneer of Modern Chinese Painting will be on view through January 29, 2012.

 

Related programming
A broad range of China-related programs will accompany the Xu Beihong and Threads of Heaven exhibitions throughout the fall and winter, including special member moments, a Demo & Do, lectures, family activities, and field trips. They include: 

Member Preview: Xu Beihong: Pioneer of Modern Chinese Painting & Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of China’s Last Dynasty

Saturday, October 29, 10 am

Members get an early look inside China’s artistic history through two special exhibitions which explore this mysterious and ceremonial country. Details

Xu Beihong & Threads of Heaven Tours

October 30-January 29

Take a guided tour of Xu Beihong and Threads of Heaven weekdays at 2 pm or weekends at 3 pm. Details

The Chinese Cultural Spirit in Xu Beihong’s Art lecture

October 30, 2 pm

Xu Qingping, son of Xu Beihong and a well-known artist and art historian, will speak on his father's work. Details

Free First Saturday and Night at the Museums
November 5, 10 am–10 pm
The DAM celebrates Night at the Museums with special pricing and programming, including Chinese dragon and lion dance performances. Details

Beijing Opera Costumes: From Cultural Tradition to Theatrical Expression
November 11, 6 pm
Alexandra B. Bonds will discuss the DAM’s two recently conserved large Beijing Opera figural hangings on view in Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of the Last Chinese Dynasty. Details

Logan Lectures 2011 Fall Series
November 16, 7 pm
December 7, 7pm
Our fall Logan Lectures speakers represent the legacy of Xu Beihong in contemporary Chinese art. They are artists who study and teach at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where Xu Beihong was the first president in 1949. Remaining lectures in the series are with Sui Jianguo and Zhong Biao.

China Through the Lens of Piano Music
November 17, 7 pm
This performance project gives the perspective of award–winning Chinese-American concert pianist Hsing–Ay Hsu on Chinese culture though Chinese piano music. Details

Winter Break: Magic of China

December 17-January 1

Explore the beauty of China through dramatic dance and martial arts performances. Learn secrets of the silkworm, watch a Chinese calligraphy demonstration, make a kite, and much more. Free general admission for kids 17 and younger December 17-January 1. Details

Conversations with Curators

January 6, 4 pm

Conversations with Curators feature lively discussions with different curators on the first Friday of every month. Join Ronald Otsuka and Alice Zrebiec for a closer look at the work of Xu Beihong and the intricate textiles of China’s last dynasty. Details to come

Demo & Do Large-Format Chinese Calligraphy with Yunn Pann
December 17, 10 am
January 14, 10 am
Dive into this ancient art form with Shanghai-born artist and instructor Yunn Pann as she sets up studio in the museum for a day—twice!

Curator's Circle Symposium: Galloping Toward the Future—The Art and Times of Xu Beihong
January 27–28
This symposium examines one of China’s most influential and celebrated artists. Speakers will include Julia F. Andrews, Chen Hao, Carol K. Huh, Huajing Xiu Maske, Kevin McLoughlin, Julie Segraves, Fangfang Xu, and Xu Qingping. Details