Drawn to each other

An exhibition at the Beijing Fine Art Academy showcases the friendship between Xu Beihong and Qi Baishi, two leading artists in 20th-century China. Lin Qi reports.

The friendship between Xu Beihong (1895-1953) and Qi Baishi (1864-1957), two eminent artists of 20th-century China, demonstrates how despite different perspectives about art, they trusted and supported each other.

Their 25-year relationship which continued until Xu's death expanded from art to day-to-day life. An exhibition at the Beijing Fine Art Academy showcases this unique relationship.

The exhibition titled Qi Baishi, in the Eyes of Xu Beihong, brings together dozens of paintings, calligraphic pieces and seal impressions by Qi, as well as letters exchanged by the duo.