“The Exhibition of the Collection of Renowned Contemporary Chinese Painters and Calligraphers' Works” was inaugurated on the morning of August 19, at the Panchiao Gymnasium in Taipei County, Taiwan. The exhibition displayed about a hundred paintings and calligraphy pieces from more than 60 of the most well-known painters and calligraphers from the end of Qing Dynasty and in the early years of the Republic of China. Among the greatest were Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Lin Fengmian and Wu Changshuo.

These treasured authentic works allow people to have an insight into how these renowned artists actively practiced Chinese calligraphy and painting in their everyday lives, helping others to appreciate their preferences and their artistic ways of expression. This exhibition will be held until August 29.

The organizer, the Chinese Culture and Art Association in Australia pointed out that all items on exhibit are part of Dai Dongni’s family collection who at present is the president of the Association and whose mother is Mrs. Dai Meiling. Dai Meiling’s husband’s family used to be high ranking officials, and they have collected many Chinese calligraphy pieces and paintings from many renowned calligraphers and painters, which have been passed down four or five generations.

Dai Meiling called for the rescue of Qi Baishi’s granddaughter who is being illegally incarcerated in mainland China. (Central News Agency)

According to Mrs. Dai Meiling, after immigrating to Australia from Shanghai 15 years ago, she was suddenly paralyzed in bed and suffering from an immune system disease. After practicing Falun Gong, (an ancient Chinese qigong practice) she regained her health, and her attitude toward life has changed significantly.

She stated that after recovering from the illness, she enlightened that invaluable museum pieces do not come with birth, and neither will they go after death. Since then she doesn’t just keep her collections to herself, but shares them with to the public, in appreciation of her new chance at life, by holding free exhibitions that promote traditional Chinese culture.

Among the 100-plus paintings from more than 60 renowned Chinese painters are Qi Baishi’s “Morning Glory” and “Insects on Green Leaves.” The Bohdi leaves, insects and dragonflies were so lively that they left a vivid impression on all present.

Dai also hoped that through the exhibition she could call for all people around the world to rescue Qi Baishi’s granddaughter, Qi Bingshu, a painter in her seventies. She added that Qi Bingshu is currently illegally imprisoned in Mainland China.

Many of these invaluable works were exhibited for the first time, their total value amounting to more than US$30 million.