Artists create work to commemorate Lingnan painting master

More than 40 calligraphers and painters convened in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong on Oct 14 to create a 50-meter long artwork to commemorate the 138th birthday of Gao Jianfu, a renowned Cantonese artist known for leading the Lingnan School of Painting.

The activity took place at Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall, located at No 87 Zhuzi Street in Yuexiu district.

Calligraphers write on a 50-meter scroll with writing brushes on Oct 14. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Gao Jianfu was a famous Cantonese artist during World War II. He is known for leading the Lingnan School's effort in mordernizing Chinese traditional painting as a "new national art". Along with his brother Gao Qifeng and friend Chen Shuren, Gao Jianfu brought the nihonga style of painting to China.

The activity was planned and organized by Xu Peibo, vice curator of Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall. Many famous calligraphers and painters were invited including Zhang Gekai, president of Heilongjiang Calligraphers Association.

The activity aims to spread the spirit of Gao Jianfu and promote the communication among artists, according to Li Yan, curator of Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall.

In recent years, a wide range of exhibitions, lectures and poem-readings have been held in Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall, which has helped spread the Lingnan painting and calligraphy culture. 

A painter draws a horse on the scroll at Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall on Oct 14. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Over 40 calligraphers and painters convened in Gao Jianfu Memorial Hall on Oct 14 to create a 50-meter long artwork to commemorate the 138th birthday of Gao Jianfu. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]