On April 10, the Ba Ren Ji Shui Park opening ceremony in the Xu Beihong Art Area was held in Jiangbei District, Chongqing, and the same day also marked the opening of Liao Jingwen's "Guard for Life" Centenary Theme Painting Exhibition.
Xu Beihong, a modern Chinese painter, art educator, and the founder of contemporary Chinese art, created iconic works such as Galloping Horses, The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain, and Water Carriers of Sichuan. Among these, Water Carriers of Sichuan stands out as one of his four masterpieces, embodying popular characters and the spirit of the times. The completion of Ba Ren Ji Shui Park aims to bring the landscapes depicted in this painting into reality.
A scene in the park. (Photo/Jiangbei District)
According to the Jiangbei District Culture and Tourism Committee, the Ba Ren Ji Shui Park spans a total land area of 41,537 square meters and is a key project within the Xu Beihong Art Area with a planned area of 46 hectares, with a total investment of 1.107 billion yuan (USD 153 million). It aims to establish an urban renewal model centered around Xu Beihong's culture and art, utilizing Xu's former residence, Shijia Garden, and other historical buildings as important components. This model aims to explore urban renewal strategies encompassing historic building protection, street space activities, public space expansion and environmental quality improvement, facilitating the creation of significant cultural landmarks in Chongqing that resonate with the cultural essence of Bayu and highlight the city's unique landscape characteristics.
Painting "Water Carriers of Sichuan" (Photo/Jiangbei District)
Simultaneously with the park opening, Liao Jingwen's "Guard for Life" Centenary Theme Painting Exhibition was inaugurated. This exhibition showcases 30 prints by Xu Beihong and Liao Jingwen, intertwining Xu's prints and photos with Liao's creations chronologically. Through interactive experiences, videos, living furnishings, and exhibitions of Liao's calligraphy and prints, the exhibition illuminates Liao Jingwen's lifelong dedication to realist literary and artistic creation and her unwavering efforts to promote Xu's artistic philosophy and patriotic spirit.
"The opening of Ba Ren Ji Shui Park not only enriches residents' recreational spaces and enhances their daily lives but also serves as an urban cultural hallmark for Jiangbei District," said an official from Jiangbei District.