On May 11, “Vitality and Joy: Wang Xuetao Art Exhibition” was opened to the public at the National Museum of China.

Wang was born in the early 20th century. He studied Western painting and Chinese painting at the National Art School in Beiping in his youth. Wang had a solid foundation in the modeling of Western painting, and was taught by masters such as Qi Baishi and Wang Mengbai. He gained not only Qi Baishi’s profound understanding of traditional brushwork but also Wang Mengbai’s sophisticated modeling and memorizing skills. Learning from others and studying traditions in-depth, he created a new artistic language of Chinese freehand bird-and-flower painting by integrating the colors and modeling of Western painting into his brushwork. Wang had a highly acute artistic sense and was adept at capturing the fleeting charm of life. The flowers, birds, grasses, insects and scenes of life in his works are full of vivid and real appeal, allowing the viewer to experience true feelings in the finest details, and the artistic charm therein.

This exhibition is based on a systematic academic review of Wang’s artistic journey and the characteristics of his creations. It is divided into three sections, namely “Tracing the Origins,” “Seeking the Truth” and “Passing on Sentiments.” One hundred and twenty-three paintings created by Wang in different periods are on display, with rich thematic content, flexible and varied creative techniques, and a variety of forms. The exhibits include several sets of scrolls, fans and sketches, in addition to the common standing scrolls and hand scrolls. The use of multimedia technology to display representative works brings the paintings of flowers, birds, fish and insects to life.

As the top palace of history and art and a cultural parlor for China, NMC focus on the creative concept of telling the Chinese story, manifesting the Chinese spirit, and depicting the spiritual map of the times through the collection and display of outstanding artworks.

The exhibition is located in Gallery N8 of the National Museum of China and is intended to be on display for two months.