As the Year of the Horse approaches,a grand artistic feasthas arrived in Haidian.
On February 9, the "Steeds Across Rivers and Mountains, Aspirations Soaring in Imperial Gardens" Exhibition of Fine Steed Masterpieces & Year of the Horse Themed Chinese Paintings was launched at Sanshan Wuyuan Cultural and Art Center in Haidian District.
For the first time, 21 original works by Xu Beihong are being exhibited together outside Xu Beihong Memorial Museum. Masterpieces by Xu Qingping (his son, who is also the President of Xu Beihong Art Research Center at Renmin University of China), Liu Boshu (his student), and Han Meilin and other renowned artists are also on display. A total of 37 exquisite works offer visitors a culturally enriching experience for the Chinese New Year, blending artistic depth with spiritual power.
This exhibition is hosted by the Haidian District Bureau of Culture and Tourism and organized by Sanshan Wuyuan Cultural and Art Center, allowing visitors to appreciate the thousand-year legacy of the horse culture through the art of brush and ink.
"This is the first time that so many representative works of Mr. Xu Beihong have been exhibited outside the museum. The exhibition offers an exceptionally rare opportunity for the audience," said Professor Xu Qingping during the opening ceremony. As a founding figure of modern Chinese fine arts, Xu Beihong has long been reknowned for its works of horses. His galloping horses were printed on daily necessities such as washbasins and thermoses, becoming something inseparable from the memories of generations.
Unlike the "pampered" imperial horses depicted by ancient painters, Xu Beihong's horses are wild horses from the barren plains or warhorses on the battlefield. Lean yet strong, they gallop in a way brimming with a spirited and uplifting vigor. "As Li He wrote, 'Strike its lean bones, and they ring like bronze'—this is the true portrayal of the horses in Mr. Xu's paintings," said Xu Qingping, pointing to a piece titled "Galloping Horse" (奔马图). He explained that the white mark on the horse's forehead symbolizes its extraordinary character, and this lean yet powerful physique is precisely the essential form for a mighty steed.
Behind these paintings lies a profound and fervent sense of patriotism. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Xu Beihong traveled to Southeast Asia, using his brush as a weapon to raise funds for his home country. Between 1939 and 1942, he painted tirelessly every day, and the horses he created carried the rallying cry of "Standing United and Marching forward Courageously". Xu Qingping recalled that his father was extremely demanding of his work, burning any paintings that did not meet his standards. This dedication has ensured that every authentic artwork passed down to the contemporary times is a real treasure.
At the exhibition, representative works such as "Standing Horse" (立马) and "Galloping Horse" (奔马) feature inscriptions that align with the historical context, with every line brimming with the sincerity of "Serving the Country through Art." This allows viewers to transcend time and relate themselves to a sense of mission and responsibility of the older generation of artists.
This exhibition not only features authentic masterpieces by Xu Beihong but also creates an artistic dialogue across time. Xu Qingping, carrying forward his father's artistic philosophy, presents four new works that blend the contemporary techniques with the cultural connotations of horses. The horses he paints embody the essence of his father's works while incorporating the spirit of the new era.
Liu Boshu, Xu Beihong's last disciple, showcases works that deeply inherit his master's essence. His horses are both powerful and dynamic, perfectly continuing the artistic pursuit of "Capturing both Form and Spirit". Renowned artist Han Meilin, with his unique perspective, offers an innovative expression, endowing the horses with fresh aesthetic appeal and highlighting the vibrant vitality of excellent traditional Chinese culture.
"For the Year of the Horse, what I most want to say is 'Peace and Smoothness Bring Blessings,'" said Xu Qingping as he wielded his brush at the exhibition, writing down his New Year's wishes for the public. In the Year of the Horse, he wished that everyone would find success through tranquility and achieve immediate victory through their efforts. This blessing complements the exhibition's theme perfectly, allowing art to be not only observed and appreciated but also to convey warmth and strength.
Information
Period: February 10 – April 12
Opening Hours During the Spring Festival Holiday:
February 15: 09:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
February 16 (Chinese New Year's Eve): Closed
February 17 – 18: 09:00–20:00 (last entry at 19:30)
February 19 – 23: 09:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Venue: Sanshan Wuyuan Cultural and Art Center, Haidian District, Beijing (6 Haidiangongyuan Road)
Transportation: Take Subway Line 16 to Xiyuan Station (Exit C2), and walk 15 minutes to reach the venue. Alternatively, take bus No. 303 or No. 331 and get off at Yiheyuan Xinjiangongmen (颐和园新建宫门) Stop.
Notes:
The exhibition is free for all. Please follow the venue's regulations during your visit. Do not touch the exhibits and avoid using flash when taking photos. Due to high footfalls during the holiday, it is recommended to visit during off-peak hours. Elderly visitors and children must be accompanied by family members.
