To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China and the 160th anniversary of Qi Baishi’s birth, the exhibition ‘Lotus Blossoms in Pairs, Plum Blossoms in Clusters – The Artistic World of Qi Baishi’ was inaugurated today (December 15) at Wynn Palace. By displaying the digitalized artworks of Qi Baishi, the exhibition aims to showcase the profound heritage of Chinese culture and the unique appeal of Macao, while also exemplifying the promotion of Chinese culture to the world.
The exhibition is organized by the Beijing Fine Art Academy and the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, coordinated by the Qi Baishi International Research Center, Macau Lotus TV, Limitada, Classic of Mountain and Sea Research Institute of Macao, Wynn Macau, Limited, China International Exhibition Agency, and Shandong Goldon Digital Creative Co., Ltd., and supported by the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Huang Liuquan, Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Macao SAR; Kou Hoi In, President of the Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR; Gao Yuan, Counselor and Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Ho Ioc San, representative of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government; Wu Zhiliang, Deputy Director of the Committee on Culture, History and Study of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; Wu Hongliang, a CPPCC member and President of the Beijing Fine Art Academy; Choi Kin Long, Acting Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR Government; Hoi Kam Un, member of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government; and Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited. The officiating guests unveiled the exhibition together.
Wu Hongliang, President of the Beijing Fine Art Academy, remarked during his speech that 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of Qi Baishi’s birth. As the academic institution with the largest collection of the master’s works worldwide, the Beijing Fine Art Academy has initiated a global campaign in memory of the artist’s 160th birth anniversary to promote the cultural identity of the Chinese nation. This exhibition in Macao features 25 selected calligraphy works and paintings of Qi Baishi, symbolizing the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Several lotus-themed artworks have also been included, reflecting the beauty of Xiangtan, Hunan—Qi Baishi’s hometown, also known as the “City of Lotuses”—and symbolizing the deep connection between Macao, the “Island of Lotuses,” and Xiangtan.
Wu Zhiliang, President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, emphasized Qi Baishi’s status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His works highlight the integration of the essence of literati paintings and folk art and showcase the unique allure of Chinese culture. This exhibition not only promotes Chinese culture but also incorporates modern technology to offer visitors a fresh perspective on Qi Baishi’s art, demonstrating the indepth integration between art and technology. It serves as an opportunity to showcase Chinese culture and Macao’s designation as a Culture City of East Asia.
Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited, said: “Wynn is very honored to host this exhibition together with Beijing and the United States to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Qi Baishi’s birth. It is a new innovative project of Illuminarium at Wynn Palace that is dedicated to promoting the diversification of Macao. Through the combination of digital media technology and traditional aesthetics, this exhibition realizes the perfect integration of Qi Baishi’s art of calligraphy and paintings with Macao as a Culture City of East Asia, allowing viewers, especially young people, to immerse themselves in the artistic world of Qi Baishi and motivating us to be dedicated to the promotion of Chinese culture in the world. This exhibition not only demonstrates Wynn’s steadfast support of the “1 + 4″ diversification development strategy of the Macao SAR Government, but also underscores Wynn’s efforts to position Macao as a bridge for cultural exchange between East and West and promote Chinese culture and art to the international stage”.
At the event, the Beijing Fine Art Academy and Wynn jointly released four exclusive Qi Baishi prints in commemoration of the artist’s 160th birthday, namely A New Year Celebration Painting, Osmanthus and Ribbon Bird, Guanyin, and Demon Queller Zhong Kui, symbolizing a prosperous future for Macao and the motherland.
Furthermore, witnessed by the officiating guests, Macau University of Science and Technology, Beijing Fine Art Academy, Macau Lotus TV, Limitada, Classic of Mountain and Sea Research Institute of Macao and Wynn Macau, Limited signed a cooperative agreement on the founding of the Qi Baishi’s Art International Research Center (Macao). The center was unveiled by Huang Liuquan, Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Macao SAR; and Kou Hoi In, President of the Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR. The Qi Baishi International Research Center (Macao) will be dedicated to connecting Macao and Beijing as well as artists from all disciplines through Qi Baishi’s art, marking a milestone in Macao’s cultural development and the international promotion of Chinese culture.
The opening ceremony also featured a special immersive children’s dance performance, The Escaping Drop of Ink. Inspired by highly abstractive ink as a creative element, this work invited the audience into the “perspective of ink” through physical movement, painting, and light. Performed by dancers aged 8–12 years old, the production offered a fresh take on the allure of the master’s art.
The exhibition’s theme, “Lotus Blossoms in Pairs, Plum Blossoms in Clusters” originates from a poem by poet Su Jipeng from the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the mutual growth and prosperity of Macao—the “Lotus Flower in Full Bloom”—and the motherland. The exhibition gives a comprehensive showcase of Qi Baishi’s artistic appeal in two sections. With cutting-edge digital technology, the first section “Tianqu Scenery Paintings: Digital Art World of Qi Baishi” will bring the master’s works to life at the Illuminarium and draw viewers into the fantastic artistic world through immersive experiences. Under two sub-themes “Blossoming Flowers of Home: Bird-andFlower World of Qi Baishi” and “Joyous Flowers for a Prosperous Year: Auspicious World of Qi Baishi,” the second section displays the artist’s Chinese painting masterpieces depicting auspicious objects such as lotuses and other flowers and plants, interactively inviting viewers to open the scrolls on their own and experience Chinese literati’s way of appreciating calligraphy and paintings.
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday to Sunday until February 15, 2025. All are welcome to visit and experience Qi Baishi’s fascinating artistry and the profound Chinese culture.
