Mr. Li Kuchan was a contemporary Chinese master of freehand bird-and-flower paintings and an educator in fine arts. Steeped in traditional culture of his hometown since childhood, he stuck to the Chinese cultural character and dedicated his life to the Chinese painting art. Boasting both professional excellence and moral integrity, he has been deeply revered by the people. In a time of bitter clashes between old and new cultures in modern China, he worked hard to press ahead with his own styles. His paintings of eagles are so unique that they remind you of the famous Chinese verse that “at one stroke, the bird paintings of ages were obliterated”, leaving an indelible mark in the macro-history. Eventually, he grew into a versed master. During his lifetime, Kuchan always kept it in mind to contribute to national survival, people's happiness and cultural rejuvenation. Despite many mishaps in his life, he was always optimistic and self-reliant. Based on the traditional Chinese painting, he combined Western techniques with traditional Chinese styles to create and interpret the theme of “rebirth of Chinese paintings in modern era” with bold and resolute strokes. As upright as bamboo joints and as elegant as Orchid, the artist is bound to have lasting influence. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the artist’s birth, with the support of his family members and the Li Kuchan Memorial Hall, the NMC combed through his artistic journey and elaborately curated the exhibition to pay a tribute to Master Kuchan and better interpret the contemporary implications of China’s “cultural backbone”.