Chongqing - The exhibition Splendent Galaxy: Chinese Modern Art in Chongqing(1937-1949) opens for free from September 28 to October 20 at the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in Chongqing.

The poster of the exhibition, Splendent Galaxy: Chinese Modern Art in Chongqing(1937-1949). (Photo provided to iChongqing)

The exhibition prepared 284 masterpieces from 57 famous artists created in Chongqing from 1937 to 1949. In addition, it has four exhibition halls to demonstrate how Chongqing played a vital role in Chinese modern art development in terms of art creation, art education, and art exhibition in that specific period.

Fifty-seven famous Chinese modern artists. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Hall one is themed on 'pioneers of Chinese Modern Art in Chongqing,' which focuses on exhibiting famous painters' creative status and achievements when they lived in Chongqing. Their artwork is deeply linked with the Chongqing local area and local customs, which highlights the critical role played by the Chongqing period in the artist's creative context.

It presents important works from 54 masters of Chinese modern art, such as Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Wu Zuoren, and Shen Fuwen.

Qi Baishi's Flower and Birds. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Xu Beihong's Galloping. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Jialing River by Huang Xianzhi. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

The second hall shows 'Chinese Modern Art Education in Chongqing.' This section focuses on the situation of seven art schools or research institutes that were relocated or newly built in Chongqing during wartime. In modern art education history, they have positively contributed to preserving teaching faculty and cultivating art talents.

The history of one art school. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The next hall is about 'The communication of Chinese Modern Art in Chongqing,' which presents various art exhibitions, newspapers and magazines, and societies held in Chongqing during wartime and comprehensively outlines the cultural and artistic ecology of Chongqing.

The Third National Art exhibition was held in 1942. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The last hall creatively visualizes 'the Chongqing map of Chinese modern art' using the research method of 'art geography' and the GIS system. It clearly shows the art school site, artists' creation locations in Chongqing, art exhibition venues, and the found place of art journals and art teams.

The visualized map of modern Chinese art. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The exhibition aims to present the audience in a panoramic manner about Chongqing's positive contribution to artistic creation, education, and communication in the development of modern Chinese art.

Hordes of visitors come to the exhibition. (Photo/Deng Yan)

"Through the exhibition and a series of academic activities, we hope to develop a new focus and historical narrative about Chongqing's historical position and outstanding contribution to the history of modern Chinese art in the 20th century," said Hongmei, the curator.

One of the curators, Hongmei, made her speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo/Deng Yan)