A natural talent
Late painter Bai Xueshi once said, "I feel deeply that what I've learned from nature and life are things I could never think of in my studio." Bai injected his lifelong love of nature into his classical-style Chinese mountain-and-water paintings, and his concern about the livelihoods of people whose lives and work are closely associated with natural conditions, such as farmers and fishermen. Images and Imagings, an exhibition at Tsinghua University Art Museum celebrates Bai's devotion to natural landscapes by showing dozens of his works from the collections of various cultural institutions. Bai, who was a professor at Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design, took his students to see the beauty of the mountains and the many bodies of water across the country, where nature's light, colors and shapes nurtured their outlooks. His depictions of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region's vivid scenery, such as that along the Lijiang River, are among the most eye-catching pieces on display. Bai traveled to Guangxi several times since 1972. He presented the dynamic scenes of Guilin and Yangshuo. His paintings adorn iconic venues, including the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
9 am-5 pm, through Nov 1. Closed on Mondays. Online reservation needed. Tsinghua University, Haidian district. 010-6278-1012.
A birthday to remember
Chinese pianists Yuan Fang, Sun Yingdi, Sheng Yuan and Zou Xiang will gather together for a concert, bringing music from composers including Chopin, Debussy, Liszt and Maurice Ravel. Marking the 250th birthday of Beethoven, pianist Yuan will play the composer's Moonlight Piano Sonata No 14 in C-sharp Minor. The four pianists will also collectively perform the composer's Symphony No 5 in C minor, Fate. The concert will also herald the premier of Chinese composer Chen Yi's piece, Bamboo Song.
7:30 pm, Oct 4 and 5. No2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.