Ancient garden hosts exhibition of ink paintings

As one of the four best-known gardens in southern China's Guangdong province, the Keyuan Garden in Dongguan recently presented an art show featuring Chinese ink paintings by many influential painters from last century.

The show held at the art museum in the Keyuan Garden displays 66 ink paintings of landscapes, birds-and-flowers, and portraits. All the works were created by master painters from the 20th century, such as Qi Baishi, Lin Fengmian, Xu Beihong and Guan Shanyue.

Keyuan Garden was built in 1850 and reflects a unique design style popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). The tiny, yet finely designed garden houses, about 20 buildings, are scattered around mountains and lakes, including pavilions, chambers, halls and corridors.

Two ink painters known for their birds-and-flowers paintings once lived in the garden more than 100 years ago. The later Lingnan-style painting was influenced by them. The ongoing show at the garden also features works created by leading artists of Lingnan-style, such as Guan Shanyue and Zhao Shao'ang.

The show is co-organized by the China Arts and Entertainment Group. Many of the works on display were selected from the group's art collection.

It was previously presented at the Art Museum of the Guangzhou Fine Arts Academy in Guangzhou in September and later moved to the art museum at Keyuan Garden. It will run until Nov 30.