On August 25, 2018, the exhibition "A Thousand Peaks in Competition – Lu Xiujing's Exhibition of Chinese Paintings" opened at the National Art Museum of China. The exhibition was sponsored by the China Artists Association, the National Art Museum of China, and the Zhejiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and co-organized by the Zhejiang Artists Association, Xiling Seal Engraving Society Calligraphy and Painting Academy, Chint Public Welfare Foundation, and Zhejiang Yangtze River Delta Media.Guests attending the opening ceremony included: Huang Mengfu, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Honorary Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; Hu Deping, former Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and former Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; Wang Wenzhang, former Vice Minister of Culture; Feng Yuan, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Executive Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History; Wu Weishan, Member of the Standing Committee of the National CPPCC, Director of the National Art Museum of China, and Vice Chairman of the China Artists Association; Xu Li, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Standing Vice Chairman, and Secretary-General of the China Artists Association; Chen Zhongzhe, Member of the Council of the China Artists Association and Professor of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee; Ge Xuebin, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee; Tian Yuyuan, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Vice Chairman, and Standing Secretary of the Secretariat of the Zhejiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Wu Shanming, Professor of the China Academy of Art and renowned Chinese painting artist; Zhang Lichen, Professor of the Central Academy of Fine Arts and renowned Chinese painting artist; Li Yansheng, Researcher of the China National Academy of Painting; and Jiang Baolin, renowned artist of the China National Academy of Painting.
Wu Weishan, Member of the Standing Committee of the National CPPCC, Director of the National Art Museum of China, and Vice Chairman of the China Artists Association, stated that from the landscape paintings in this exhibition, one can see Mr. Lu Xiujing's life journey – particularly his profound foundation in traditional Chinese culture, as well as his solid achievements in the theory and practice of landscape painting.
Mr. Lu Xiujing possesses profound attainments not only in artistic creation but also in theoretical research. His work Techniques of Landscape Painting goes beyond mere technical instruction; it offers a comprehensive summary of the entire history of Chinese landscape painting. In particular, it delves deeply into the evolution of aesthetic thoughts during the formation of landscape painting, as well as the connections between landscape painting and Chinese poetry, and between landscape painting and the broader context of Chinese philosophical culture.Therefore, his works do not merely depict the external appearance of natural mountains; more importantly, they capture the inner landscape of his soul.
Xu Li, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Standing Vice Chairman, and Secretary-General of the China Artists Association, stated in his speech: "Lu Xiujing has inherited and carried forward the vivid, elegant, and graceful stylistic characteristics of Zhejiang School landscape painting. On the basis of traveling extensively across China and around the world, he has created works that feature rich colors, vast momentum, profound historical significance, and strong humanistic values—embodying both the Chinese style and the spirit of the times. From the broader perspective of modern and contemporary art development, Mr. Lu Xiujing’s artistic life fully reflects the macro trends of modern Chinese social changes and the development of modern Chinese art. From the perspective of specific creative practice, his works also demonstrate distinct personal characteristics and innovative thinking."
Tian Yuyuan, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Vice Chairman, and Standing Secretary of the Secretariat of the Zhejiang Federation of Literary and Art Circles, noted: "Over more than 50 years of his artistic career through seasons, Lu Xiujing has climbed artistic peaks, built on traditions to achieve greater excellence, and consistently honed his brushwork. He has devoted his passion to mountains and rivers without seeking publicity. On the basis of inheriting the fine traditions of Chinese painting, he has absorbed the essence of Western painting art and embraced the spirit of the times in the development of Chinese culture, thus forming a unique artistic language and distinctive style in his landscape painting creation. He has made important contributions to the development of cultural and artistic undertakings in Zhejiang."
Wu Shanming, Professor of the China Academy of Art and renowned Chinese painting artist, said: "I have known Lu Xiujing for many years, and we often discuss art with each other. 'He is a man of inner refinement—he has been constantly improving his attainments in various aspects while always remaining low-key. This time, he finally decided to hold this large-scale exhibition, which serves as both a platform for Lu Xiujing to showcase himself and a wonderful opportunity for artistic exchanges between northern and southern China. Thanks to his years of accumulation and innovation, these works retain vivid and simple elements, are full of the charm of integrating Chinese and Western art, and form a lush and profound style.'"
Lu Xiujing stated, "‘A thousand peaks vying in beauty and ten thousand valleys competing in flow’ is a condensed reflection of my life. Over the past half-century, I have gone through a journey from campus to society, from Jiangnan to the whole country, and from China to the rest of the world. It is the greatest honor of my life to have my works exhibited at the National Art Museum of China—a national palace of aesthetics—and this event also marks an important milestone and a new starting point in my artistic life."
The exhibition consists of five sections, which are arranged in chronological order of creation and combined with thematic research. These sections vividly and in-depth outline Lu Xiujing’s artistic life, creative journey, and cultural pursuit, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the senior artist’s achievements while feeling his unremitting dedication on his artistic path.
The first section, "Breaking Barriers for Connectivity," takes geographical travel and artistic transcendence as its core theme, showcasing landscape works with rich colors that are related to northwest China.
The second section, "A Panoramic View of Lakes and Mountains," demonstrates how the artist’s landscape works inherit and carry forward southern traditions, especially the artistic legacy of Zhejiang School landscape painting.
The third section, "Where Lies the Hometown," sorts out the artist’s early landscape works related to Jiangnan water towns, emphasizing the regional characteristics and cultural context of his artistic origin and personal growth.
The fourth section, "Boundless Horizons," distills the artist’s cross-border travel experiences and his exploration of integrating Chinese and Western art, presenting artworks created during his sojourns abroad, particularly in North America.
The fifth section, "Random Musings on Leisure," mainly features works such as flower-and-bird paintings, figure paintings, and calligraphy. Beyond his large-scale landscape works, these pieces reflect the artist’s personal tastes and delights in daily life.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, a seminar for "A Thousand Peaks in Competition – Lu Xiujing's Exhibition of Chinese Paintings" was held.
This exhibition will run until September 2.