Can a centuries-old art form capture the rhythm and geometry of today's cities? A new exhibition in Guangzhou invites visitors to explore that question through more than 100 works by some of China's leading artists.
The "2026 National Urban Landscape Paintings 8+1 Explorational Exhibition," which opened recently at the Guangzhou Academy of Painting, brings together eight Chinese ink painters and one oil painter from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong to examine how traditional artistic techniques can be used to portray contemporary urban life. It is part of the academy's annual academic exhibition series, which focuses on the evolving language of Chinese painting.
Titled "Merits of the Curved and the Straight," the exhibition explores the contrast between the fluid, expressive brushwork of traditional ink painting and the straight lines, geometric constructions and structured spaces that define modern cities. Through this dialogue, the artists ask how traditional Chinese painting can continue to evolve while responding to today's urban landscapes.
The participating artists also represent three of China's most influential art centers. Beijing contributes its strong academic tradition and diverse voices. Shanghai, one of China's earliest modern metropolises, offers perspectives shaped by decades of urban development. Guangdong, meanwhile, draws on the innovative spirit of the Lingnan School, known for blending Chinese and Western artistic influences and embracing experimentation.
Instead of displaying each artist's works in separate sections, the curatorial team has interspersed works by different artists and in different media throughout the galleries. The arrangement encourages visitors to make connections across styles, techniques and interpretations of the exhibition's central theme.
"As visitors move through the exhibition, they can follow the evolution of an individual artist's style while also discovering unexpected conversations between different works," said curator Zhang Gong. "We hope the exhibition becomes a space not only for viewing art, but also for comparison, reflection and discussion."
The exhibition runs until August 18 and is open to the public free of charge.
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Photos | Li Fangwang
Poster | Guangzhou Academy of Painting
