Wu Changshuo works on show feature 15-year stay in Shanghai

Through the end of March, "A Leader of Shanghai-style Culture," which celebrates the 180th anniversary of the birth of celebrated artist Wu Changshuo (1844-1927), is on display at the China Art Museum.

With around 180 masterpieces taking up over 1,500sqm of space, this exhibition is the biggest to cover Wu's achievements. Painter, calligrapher, and seal engraver, Wu is considered one of the most important artists in contemporary Chinese art history and a pivotal figure of the Shanghai School of painting.

His artistic journey began with a deep interest in seal carving and poetry and then developed to include calligraphy and painting.

His works are distinguished by a special mix of conventional techniques and creative expression; for this mastery in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal engraving, earning him the title "Master of the Four Perfections."

The exhibition starts in 1912 and focuses on Wu's 15-year stay in Shanghai.

Apart from Wu's artwork, the exhibition comprises about 40 works of eight Chinese literati, including Chen Baochen (1848–1935) and Chen Sanli (1853–1937), as well as works by Wu's friends and students.

Known for his seal engraving, Wu's art is firmly anchored in the study of ancient stone inscriptions (jinshi), bronze ware, and stele calligraphy. He combined them creatively into his seal carving. His calligraphy and painting mirror the jinshi art.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is "Portrait of the Old Man with a Jar," a collaborative work by Wu Changshuo, Ren Bonian (1840–1896), and Wang Yiting (1867–1938), an effort that took 21 years!

"The Scrolls of Flowers in Four Seasons" that show peony, banana plant, chrysanthemums, and plums in several seasons is another highlight. The great contrast between warm and cool tones lets every piece stand out and simultaneously enhances each other with a wonderful visual impact. Apart from Wu's paintings, the exhibition has over 50 seal engravings.

Exhibition Info:

Date: Through March 31, 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays)

Address: 205 Shangnan Road

Admission: Free