THREE exhibitions have recently opened at the Shenzhen Art Museum’s Longhua division, showcasing modern Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy, a retrospective of a master calligrapher, and a unique collection of childhood works by two renowned artists.

‘Guardianship & Inheritance’

Hall 9, 3/F; until Aug. 9

This is a special exhibition of modern Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy confiscated by the Shenzhen Customs Anti-Smuggling Bureau. Featuring 28 pieces/sets, the exhibition marks their first public appearance.

The exhibition unfolds across three chapters: “Scholarly Charm and New Spirit of Metal and Stone,” “East-West Exploration and Lingnan Splendor,” and “Era’s Spirit and Individual Expression.”

The first chapter showcases works from the late Qing (1644-1911) to early Republic (1912-1949) period, including works by Zhao Zhiqian, Huang Binhong, and Wu Changshuo. The second focuses on Lingnan artists, including Ju Lian, Zhao Shao’ang, Guan Shanyue, and Li Xiongcai. The third brings together seven Chinese painting masters: Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Li Keran, Wu Guanzhong, Feng Zikai, and Pan Tianshou.

‘The Dao of Endless Ascent’

Halls 6 & 7, 2/F; until Sept. 9

This exhibition presents the calligraphy of female calligrapher Xiao Xian (1902–1997). Jointly organized with the Qiuyushan Cultural Celebrity Memorial Hall, it features 50 pieces/sets of fine calligraphy and rare documents from a collection of over 100 works.

Xiao, born in Guiyang, Guizhou, excelled in seal, clerical, and running scripts, particularly known for her large-character calligraphy. Her style is vigorous, bold, and masculine. The exhibition showcases her achievements and artistic vision, enriching the study of female calligraphers while promoting the spirit of “grand and upright bearing” in contemporary calligraphy. “The Dao of Endless Ascent” is a representative work from her later years.

‘In a Child’s Brush’

Hall 8, 3/F; until Aug. 9

The works featured are not the mature, celebrated styles of artists Wang Mingming and Fang Chuxiong, but exceptional pieces created during their childhood and youth. Diverse in subject and style and rich with the atmosphere of their time, these works appear technically naive yet overflow with natural brilliance and innocent wonder. Unbound by technique and unshaped by style, they are like uncarved jade — offering a glimpse of artistic talent at its very first light and the most genuine vitality of art.

Venue: Shenzhen Art Museum (Longhua Division), Longhua District (深圳美术馆新馆)

Metro: Line 4 or 6 to Hongshan Station (红山站), Exit A1(Tang Li)