"Chongqing is my hometown. So holding my personal calligraphy exhibition in Chongqing has been one of my wishes since I hit 100 years old,” said Ma Shitu, a famous writer and calligrapher. On the afternoon of June 19, the “Soul of China-Ma Shitu Calligraphy Exhibition” was opened in the Art Museum of Chongqing Federation of Literature and Art Circles, and Ma Shitu’s 107 calligraphy and painting works were presented to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.  

The opening ceremony of the “Soul of China-Ma Shitu Calligraphy Exhibition.” (iChongqing/ Wang Jieyu)

Ma Shitu started to publish literary works in 1935. In 1961, he joined the Chinese Writers' Association and officially published 23 works. He has also published a large number of articles in newspapers and magazines. His main literary works are included in the Collected Works of Ma Shitu, published by the Sichuan Literature and Art Publishing House in 2005. Ma Shitu started to imitate Chinese Han Dynasty inscriptions in his early childhood nearly 100 years ago. He held personal calligraphy exhibitions in Chengdu, Beijing, and other places and was invited to attend various calligraphy exhibitions throughout the country.  

This exhibition displays Mr. Ma’s 107 calligraphy works to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. (iChongqing/ Wang Jieyu)

According to Zhao Wenzhen, curator of the exhibition and director of the Shibijia Art Gallery, this exhibition displays Mr. Ma’s 107 calligraphy works to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Among these works, "Man Jiang Hong · Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China" was an original poem that Mr. Ma created in April this year, especially for the celebration. There are also many other calligraphy works created for the occasion. 

The exhibition attracts lots of citizens. (iChongqing/ Wang Jieyu)

In addition, more than 30 works displayed were created by Mr. Ma this year, especially for the exhibition in Chongqing, his hometown. The exhibition will last until 26 June and is free of charge.