Macao, December 27, 2024 – To commemorate the 160th anniversary of Qi Baishi's birth and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the Beijing Fine Art Academy and the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau are jointly organizing a grand digitalized artwork exhibition "Lotus Blossoms in Pairs, Plum Blossoms in Clusters – The Artistic World of Qi Baishi" at the Illuminarium in Wynn Palace. The artworks of Qi Baishi and the historic moment of Macao's handover are displayed through digital media technology, seamlessly integrating classic artworks and modern technology to present a cultural journey that transcends time and space and realize the perfect integration of Qi Baishi's artistic legacy and Macao as a "Culture City of East Asia." This is not only a profound artistic celebration but also a demonstration of Chinese cultural inheritance, exchange, and mutual appreciation.

The highlights of this exhibition are the four iconic works by Qi Baishi that have been jointly released by the Beijing Fine Art Academy and Wynn: A New Year Celebration Painting, Osmanthus and Ribbon Bird, Guanyin, and Demon Queller Zhong Kui. These masterpieces represent the pinnacle of Qi Baishi's artistic career and are treasures of Chinese culture that embody a profound historical and cultural significance.

A New Year Celebration Painting vividly depicts the joyous atmosphere of Chinese New Year, filled with vibrant imagery and festive energy, reflecting ancient Chinese people's hopes and blessings for a new year, and showcasing the profound heritage of Chinese culture and people's yearning for a better life. The successful inscription of the Spring Festival onto UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 4 signifies the extensive recognition of the cultural value of this traditional festival from international society. This painting is usually presented as a still life painting and symbolizes blessings and happiness through elements such as lanterns, firecrackers, cabbages, and persimmons. These elements collectively create a scene of auspicious blessings and extends best wishes for a new year, which aligns perfectly with the festival's inscription onto the list, embodying the unique appeal and profound influence of Chinese traditional culture.

Osmanthus and Ribbon Bird is a work taking a rare bird species as its theme. The graceful paradise flycatcher (ribbon-tailed bird) is also known as the "bird of longevity" and symbolizes blessings and longevity. Combining delicate brushstrokes and vibrant colors, the artist presents a stunning combination of osmanthus flowers and paradise flycatcher, perfectly capturing his keen observation of the beauty of nature and conveying the harmony and allure of Chinese culture.

Guanyin is Qi's portrait of Bodhisattva Guanyin, who is the deity of compassion in Buddhism that is much loved and revered by Chinese people. The deity's solemnity and kindness are fully captured in the artist's unique artistic style.

Demon Queller Zhong Kui is a Taoist deity-themed painting that portrays the deity of household protection and blessings who is widely worshipped and venerated by Chinese people. Zhong Kui's authoritative and heroic spirit is vividly brought to life by the artist through his masterful brushwork.

In addition to the four masterpieces, the exhibition uses digital technology to vividly present other works by Qi Baishi, offering a 360-degree immersive experience of his paintings and calligraphy that invites visitors to admire his unique artistic style and impressive skill. The exhibition also features a number of interactive areas that enable visitors to not only appreciate the artworks, but also gain a deeper knowledge of Qi Baishi's artistic journey and the historic moment of Macao's return to the motherland and an in-depth experience of the profound Chinese culture, thus inspiring public dedication to promoting Chinese culture in the world.

At the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Wu Hongliang, President of the Beijing Fine Art Academy; Wu Zhiliang, President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; and Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited. They emphasized the exhibition is not merely an occasion for artistic exchange and encounter but also plays the role of preserving and propagating Chinese culture. They hope the exhibition can give more people an understanding of Qi Baishi's artistic achievements and the great significance of Macao's reunification while also realizing the perfect integration of Qi Baishi's art of calligraphy and paintings with Macao as a Culture City of East Asia, thus further driving the inheritance and development of Chinese culture. The officiating guests then attended a ribboncutting ceremony and toured the exhibition to experience the depth of Chinese culture and the historic milestone of Macao's return to the motherland.

The dual celebration of Qi Baishi's 160th birth anniversary and the 25th anniversary of Macao's reunification is not only a tribute to the legendary artist but also a powerful initiative to preserve and promote Chinese culture. The exhibition fosters a deeper public understanding of the profound Chinese culture and the significance of Macao's reunification and inspires collective efforts to leverage Macao's position as a cultural base, promote the inheritance and development of Chinese culture, and contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

The exhibition "Lotus Blossoms in Pairs, Plum Blossoms in Clusters – The Artistic World of Qi Baishi" is open to the public with free admission until February 15, 2025. All are welcome to visit and experience Qi Baishi's fascinating artistry and the profound Chinese culture.