Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com Paintings by 12 notable Chinese female artists active in the first half of the 20th century, including He Xiangning, Yu Feng, Wu Qingxia and Lu Xiaoman, are on display at the He Xiangning Art Museum, presenting a glorious page in the history of Chinese women’s art. These well-educated artists had either learned from Chinese masters or studied abroad, some of whom held exhibitions abroad or were versatile in other art forms. The artistic practice of He (1878-1972) is inextricably intertwined with modern Chinese painting history. Her life experience as a revolutionist, a painter and a pioneer in women’s rights in China can help us understand many problems experienced by Chinese female artists in the early 20th century, so her paintings are displayed in the first part of the exhibition. He’s paintings on paper and silk scrolls mainly portray plum blossoms, pine trees, lions, tigers and landscapes yet convey a courageous, heroic spirit. Her paintings not only inherited the essence of Chinese tradition, but also incorporated social concerns. Her efforts for women’s rights inspired the China Women’s Calligraphy and Painting Association, a significant women’s art group in China’s fine art history. The second part of the exhibition features paintings by seven artists from the association. The association was founded in 1934 against a background of the upsurge of female consciousness after the New Culture Movement in the 1910s and 1920s. Chinese women’s art developed diversely along with the influence of social thoughts and women’s movements. Artists in the association used art to express themselves and pursue independence. They participated in social activities with the help of the association. The third section displays paintings by four female artists who dedicated themselves to exploring the fusion of Chinese and Western art. Their artistic exploration and achievements add certain enlightenment significance to the development of contemporary women’s art. For the exhibition which also displays old photos, books, letters and manuscripts, the He Xiangning Art Museum borrowed some works and cultural relics from Guangdong Museum of Art, Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Shenzhen Museum, Liao Zhongkai and He Xiangning Memorial Hall, Wu Qingxia Art Academy and Shanghai Lu Xun Museum. Dates: Until Nov. 21 Booking: WeChat account “hxnartmuseum” Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (南山区何香凝美术馆) Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C | 