On October 24, 2023, the Lingnan School of Painting Memorial Museum, after more than four years of renovations and upgrades, officially reopened its doors with the inauguration of the “Starting Over” exhibition series.
The Lingnan School of Painting, which emerged in the 1920s, is a significant movement in modern Chinese art, advocating an artistic philosophy that blends Eastern and Western styles while integrating traditional and contemporary influences. Located on the Changgang campus of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, the memorial museum was established in 1991 and serves as an important landmark of Lingnan culture.
As visitors enter the memorial museum, they are greeted by a striking white dome structure situated beside a pool, surrounded by lush greenery. Three sculptures of prominent figures—Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng, and Chen Shuren, the founders of the Lingnan School of Painting—stand proudly above the water.
In 2020, the museum undertook a new phase of renovation that maintained the original design concept while incorporating modern elements to reflect the essence of Lingnan culture. The redesigned sunken plaza has transformed into an open space, bridging the gap between the city and the museum, thus providing the public a cultural venue to engage with art. The new linking corridor effectively connects exhibition areas with administrative offices, enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating exhibition preparations. The refurbished outdoor platform of the office area is also set to serve as a space for faculty and students from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts to engage in outdoor sketching and dialogue.
Moreover, the revamped exhibition zones encompass a blend of local themes, specialized topics, and artistic expression, offering visitors a rich and varied experience. The introduction of the “Creative Workshop” provides a platform for discussions, creative production, and experimentation.
Li Jinkun, chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles and director of the Lingnan School of Painting Memorial Museum, expressed a vision for the museum’s future. He hopes it will chart a path for differentiated development and evolve into a “museum + cultural complex” that emphasizes research, exhibitions, trends, and innovation.
As the inaugural exhibition following the museum’s reopening, the “Starting Over” series features 108 precious original works by renowned artists such as Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng, Chen Shuren, Li Xiongcai, and Guan Shanyue.
