'Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink' exhibition opens in Boston

A poster for the exhibition "Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The exhibition "Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink" opened on May 3 at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, United States. Jointly launched by MFA Boston, Beijing Fine Art Academy and the China Exhibition Agency, the exhibition showcases a selection of works by the renowned Chinese painter Qi Baishi (1864-1957), offering international viewers an in-depth exploration of his masterful ink paintings and artistic legacy.

At the opening ceremony, Chen Li, Chinese consul general in New York, emphasized Boston's historical role as a pioneer in Sino-American cultural exchange. "The first cultural exchange project after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. was the Boston Symphony Orchestra's performance in China. The first American museum to hold an exhibition in China was the MFA," he said. "This exhibition is more than an artistic exchange - it's a bridge between hearts and a celebration of the shared values of Eastern and Western civilizations."

MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum reflected on the museum's longstanding connection with China, dating back to their first collaboration in 1981. "Qi Baishi's works not only represent the excellence of Chinese art, but they also transcend cultural boundaries," he said. "This exhibition offers our audience the opportunity to experience the beauty and wisdom of Eastern artistic traditions."

Mara Dolan, a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, praised the exhibition's contribution to cultural understanding. "Qi Baishi's paintings arriving in Boston is a remarkable opportunity for our community to engage deeply with traditional Chinese culture and artistic philosophy," she said. "This helps foster deeper mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples."

BFAA Director Wu Hongliang shared his hopes for the exhibition. "We've carefully selected some of Qi Baishi's most representative works," he said. "Through these, we hope our friends in Boston will feel the vitality and creativity of traditional Chinese art."

Visitors explore the exhibition "Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink" at the MFA in Boston, United States. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

As a symbol of continued friendship and collaboration, Li Tiantian from China Exhibition Agency presented Teitelbaum with a commemorative catalog of the American paintings from the MFA exhibited in China in 1981. In return, Teitelbaum gifted a catalog of the MFA's Chinese art collection. Both parties expressed their hope for future collaborations that are more diverse and in-depth.

"Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink" will be on view at the MFA through Sept. 28.