National academy highlights evolution of line drawing

The China National Academy of Painting is presenting dozens of drawings and paintings in the first- and third-floor galleries of its Beijing building, featuring works by artists and pieces from institutional collections. The exhibition explores the art of line drawing in individual artistic practice, showcasing the distinctive styles of Chinese artists since the early 20th century.

While artists have adopted Western techniques of using lines to accurately define physical appearances, they have not abandoned baimiao (plain drawing), the classical Chinese method that emphasizes expressiveness, atmosphere, and the spirituality of the subject.

The exhibition, on view until Dec 19, marks the first installment of the Chinese Drawing in a Century series.