Presented in Singapore for the very first time, this is the largest travelling exhibition of artist He Xiangning’s (何香凝) (b. 1878, China; d. 1972, China) artworks from the He Xiangning Art Museum (Shenzhen, China).
A leading ink artist and a prominent political figure, He Xiangning played an important role in the development of modern China. One of the earliest Chinese women to pursue art studies in Japan, she was closely connected to the Lingnan school. Works such as Lion (1914), along with her notable fundraising art exhibitions in Singapore and Manila in 1929, demonstrate how she fused political and social ideals through her art.
Featuring over 50 ink works and extensive archival materials, the exhibition reconnects He Xiangning's artistic activities and significance to Chinese modern art, Singapore, Penang and the region’s art history.
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When: 1 Apr – 23 Aug 2026 - Suitable For: All
- Where: City Hall Wing, Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery
- Ticket Information: General Admission ticket required
About the Exhibition
From powerful depictions of lions to evocative landscapes, this exhibition brings together paintings, calligraphy, poetry, and archival materials to explore He Xiangning’s artistic world.
Across her works, recurring motifs such as lions, pine trees, and winter scenes reflect ideas of resilience, solidarity, and moral conviction shaped by a rapidly changing era. Archival materials also offer a glimpse into her wide artistic and social networks across China and Southeast Asia.
Organised into four chronological sections, the exhibition follows the evolution of her art and the historical moments that defined it. Come discover a practice shaped as much by conviction as by craft.
Featured artworks
Lion
He Xiangning
1914. Ink and colour on silk, 63 × 49 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1914. Ink and colour on silk, 63 × 49 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Tiger
He Xiangning
1910. Ink and colour on silk, 26 × 30 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1910. Ink and colour on silk, 26 × 30 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Pine and Chrysanthemums.
He Xiangning
1931. Ink and colour on paper, 173 × 273 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1931. Ink and colour on paper, 173 × 273 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Pine, Bamboo and Plum Blossoms
He Xiangning, Jing Hengyi, Chen Shuren, Yu Youren
1928. Ink on paper, 137 × 34 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1928. Ink on paper, 137 × 34 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Pine, Bamboo and Plum Blossoms
He Xiangning, Jing Hengyi, Chen Shuren, Yu Youren
1936. Ink and colour on paper, 143 × 47.4 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1936. Ink and colour on paper, 143 × 47.4 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Plum Blossoms, Rock and Peonies
He Xiangning
c. 1920s. Ink and colour on paper, 146 × 45 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
c. 1920s. Ink and colour on paper, 146 × 45 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
A Moonlit Scene
He Xiangning
c. 1920s. Ink and colour on paper, 80 × 38 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
c. 1920s. Ink and colour on paper, 80 × 38 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Press On. For Mr Khoo Seok Wan’s keepsake
He Xiangning
Republican year 18, October. From Album of Treasured Ink by Lin Zexu. Ink on paper, c. late 18th to early 20th century. Collection of Ong Cheng Kian and family, descendants of Khoo Seok Wan.
Republican year 18, October. From Album of Treasured Ink by Lin Zexu. Ink on paper, c. late 18th to early 20th century. Collection of Ong Cheng Kian and family, descendants of Khoo Seok Wan.
Green Plum Blossoms
He Xiangning
1943. Ink and colour on paper, 57 × 36 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1943. Ink and colour on paper, 57 × 36 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
The Tall Pine Stands at the Sea’s Edge
He Xiangning
1960. Ink and colour on paper, 135 × 140 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1960. Ink and colour on paper, 135 × 140 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Appreciating the Snow
He Xiangning, Fu Baoshi
1962. Ink and colour on paper, 132 × 37 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
1962. Ink and colour on paper, 132 × 37 cm. Collection of He Xiangning Art Museum.
Ways to Experience
Slow Art with Friends offers a refreshing take on your regular guided museum experience. In this group experience, facilitators will guide you through activities inspired by He Xiangning’s art and life. Each activity contains an exercise in “slow looking”, a practice that encourages you to look a little longer at art. This is an interactive programme for anyone interested in exploring a different type of art engagement. No prior knowledge of art is required. Suitable for ages 13 and above.
30 May 2026, English: 1–2pm | Mandarin: 3–4pm
Pick up an activity booklet and pencil at the Visitor Information counters, and take part in Slow Art with Friends — featuring three engaging activities inspired by He Xiangning’s art and life.
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