James Baquet

    THE last time I visited the Guan Shanyue Art Museum in Lianhua Hill Park was before its refurbishing in 2007. On a visit last weekend, I was pleased to see that the “new” museum is a great improvement over the old one.

    Guan Shanyue, after whom the museum is named, was a painter and educator. While teaching primary school in Guangzhou in the 1930s, Guan studied under Gao Jianfu, founder of the Lingnan School of Chinese painting. Guan was thus considered a second-generation master of the school, which was named after a historic designation for the region of Guangdong and nearby provinces.

    The Lingnan School is a uniquely Chinese blend of local and foreign influences. The painters of the school were tied to some of the more exciting political events of the 20th century. For example, after several years of studying in Japan, Gao, the founder of the school, became part of Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary government. Guan himself was considered an active participant in later revolutionary art activities.

    The museum was originally opened in 1997. It features two galleries dedicated to Guan’s paintings, one of which displays the development of his work. The other is now tied in to the excellent current exhibition on the treasures of the Dunhuang Grottoes.

    To reach the museum, take Line 3 (Longgang Line) or Line 4 (Longhua Line) to Children’s Palace Station. Walk straight out of Exit B and you’ll soon see the museum across Hongli Road on your left.