Qi Baishi exhibition in Taiwan

Qi Baishi was one of China's most famous contemporary artists, and an exhibition dedicated to his memory has opened in Taichung county of Taiwan. That makes it the first exhibition of its kind on the island.

A total of seventy-one paintings and carved pieces are on display. They were transported to Taiwan from Xiangtan city in Hunan Province, where Qi was born. The exhibits represent a body of work spanning half a century.

Qi Baishi was born in 1864. His watercolor paintings are most noted for their whimsical and often playful style.

He did not have any formal education or training in the field of art. Yet he managed to master various techniques on his own, including calligraphy, seal-carving, and carpentry.

Many local art lovers are happy to see the exhibition come to Taiwan, and say it has been long anticipated.

Taiwan spectator, said, "I like the unsophisticated style of his paintings. Many of his works demonstrated his childhood experience with rural life."

The exhibition of Qi Baishi's work runs through June 21st.