Mr. Bai Xueshi, an eminent master of modern Chinese landscape painting, is greatly revered across the country. On his unrelenting journey refining his craftsmanship, Bai studied landscape paintings of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties while drawing inspiration from nature. Gradually, his individual consciousness blending with the time and space of modern China had resulted in his unique art style. His works extend a wide and far-reaching influence on Chinese landscape painting, both in the academic world and among fellow artists. Throughout his life, he taught Chinese painting in different institutions. From 1964, Mr. Bai started teaching at the Central Academy of Art and Design. Diligent and determined, he was the perfect role model for his students. His students even commented that “Mr. Bai’s paintings speak louder than his words”. As his name suggests, Mr. Bai is pure as snow and modest as stone.

　　A total of 137 paintings by Mr. Bai Xueshi are displayed at this exhibition, as well as several sketches. Among them include some of his masterpieces, such as Landscape with Authenticity and Artistry (collection of Tsinghua University Art Museum), The Happiness Canal beneath the Great Wall (collection of National Art Museum of China), Misty Rain on Lijiang River (collection of Bai Xueshi Art Museum), Harvesting Castor Beans (collection of Beijing Fine Art Academy), Guishan Mountains after the Rain (private collection), Late Autumn on Juma River (private collection). These pieces demonstrate the unique style and extraordinary accomplishments of his artistic career, and his works allow us to understand the gradual awakening of his artistic consciousness. His extensive oeuvre of various themes is also exceptional in the history of Chinese painting, encompassing bird-and-flower paintings in his early years, portrait paintings in his years of conceptual change, and the renowned “Guilin Landscape” series after he turned 60. His painting series enable us to appreciate the profound and ingenious skill of this Chinese painting master.

　　His paintings depict towering mountains, flowing clouds, green peaks, and running water. Under the brilliant artistry of Mr. Bai Xueshi, the natural scenery of China has blossomed into bountiful, authentic works of art. Mr. Bai loves the mountains, rivers, and hardworking people of our motherland passionately. Only with this deep affection can he produce paintings with such poignant and touching beauty.

　　During his lifetime, Mr. Bai Xueshi has created a considerable number of artworks. Works created in the earlier half of his life reflect a professional artist’s duty and authenticity, while works in the latter half demonstrate his simple and gentle character. With the conclusion of this exhibition, his family members will donate six of his works to our museum. This generous gift is a delightful addition to the collection of the Tsinghua University Art Museum, leaving yet another moving tale in the history of art.

　　Su Dan

　　Vice Director, Tsinghua University Art Museum

　　2nd September 2020, at Tsinghua University