Wang Qi (b.1918) Chongqing, Sichuan

From 1934 to 1937 Wang studied at the Shanghai College of Fine Arts. After the outbreak of war with Japan, he joined, in 1938, the All-China Association of Anti-Enemy Woodcutters, in Wuhan, and produced propaganda art for the Third Department of the Political Ministry, under the direction of Guo Moruo. Later in the year he went to Yan'an, where he attended the Lu Xun Academy of Literature and Arts before continuing on to Chongqing to work as a teacher and editor, again under the auspices of Guo Moruo. He was also a member of the Literary and Cultural Committee of Chongqing. After the war with Japan ended, in 1945, he went to Hong Kong, where he participated in the Society for Pictures of the Human World. In 1949 Wang became director of fine arts at the Shanghai Xing Zhe Art College but was transferred the same year to the Central Academy of Fine Arts. In Beijing, in addition to teaching and creating art, he has been chief editor of the important journals Meishu (Art) and Ban Hua (Prints). Wang Qi has also published many articles and books on the history, theory, techniques and aesthetics of both Chinese and foreign art. His numerous honorary and official posts have included that of chairman and general secretary of the Chinese Printmakers'Association and permanent vice-chairman and Party secretary of the Chinese Artists' Association. Wang Qi has kindly contributed his calligraphy to this catalogue, writing the name of the exhibition in his fine, distinctive style

28. Stone Workers 1945 16 x 21.5 cm Black and white; oil-based ink on Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed and title inscribed by the artist     29. Chat 1945 15.5 x 16.5 cm Black and white; oil-based ink on Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed, title inscribed and numbered by the artist: 44/100       30. Selling Surplus Grain Crops 1953 25 x 37 cm Black and white; oil-based ink on Chinese paper Seal:WangQi; signed,tite inscribed and numbered by the artist: 13/50 "Office of the People's Cooperative" is written beside the entrance to the building. Most Chinese farms were organized into Agricultural Producers' Cooperatives during the First Five-Year Plan, 1953 to 1957. Surplus grain was sold to government agents at set prices.       31. View of the Capital's Front Door 1956 21 x 30 cm Polychromatic; oil-based inks on Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed and title inscribed by the artist         32. Launching Celebration 1976 39.8 x 55 cm Black and white; oil-based ink on Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed and title inscribed by the artist The ship pictured is the Daqing, named after the first major oil field to be developed in China.       34. Ancient Wall with Old Liana 1988 28 x 40 cm Black and white; oil-based ink on Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed, title inscribed and numbered by the artist: 8/50     35. Wharf on the Canal 1990 50 x 26 cm Polychromatic; oil-based inks on blue-grey Chinese paper Seal: Wang Qi; signed, title inscribed and numbered by the artist: 12/50 This is the last print Wang Qi executed.

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