An exhibition named “Vibrant life of Xishuangbanna rainforest: a special exhibition of Wang Jinyuan’s Chinese paintings and his affection of XTBG” was grandly opened in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) on April 10. The exhibition is a tribute to Mr. Wang Jinyuan, a master of Chinese painting renowned for his depictions of tropical rainforests, and celebrates a legendary intersection of science and art.
The exhibition is a part of the celebrations to commemorate the 115th anniversary of Prof. Cai Xitao, founder of XTBG. Wang Jinyuan is son-in-law of Cai Xitao. In 1974, Wang Jinyuan began integrating botanical knowledge and ecological concepts into traditional Chinese painting, pioneering the systematic portrayal of tropical rainforest ecosystems through this art form.
In his opening speech, Prof. Zhang Jiaolin, CPC secretary and deputy director of XTBG, spoke highly of the exhibition as a contemporary interpretation of the Chinese spirit of seeking truth through close observation of nature.
Wang Jinyuan is praised as a great Chinese painting master nurtured by Yunnan and a trailblazer in rainforest flower-and-bird painting. “His distinctive style—lush, wild, and magnificently vigorous—has left a brilliant legacy in Yunnan’s art history. This exhibition brings art back to nature and aesthetics into ecology, offering the art community a precious platform to connect with the natural world,” said Mr. Li Chunhua, director of the Chinese Artists Association and executive vice chairman of the Yunnan Artists Association.
Ms. Wang Yue, daughter of the late artist, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the family, recalling the special connection between her father and the botanical garden. She highly praised the exhibition’s thoughtful curation and presentation.
Wang Jinyuan’s widow, Ms. Cai Zhongming, along with their children Wang Yunbo and Wang Yue, donated historical artifacts related to Cai Xitao to the Cai Xitao Memorial Hall. They also generously presented three original paintings by Wang Jinyuan to XTBG.
Many artists like Liu Yitao, Guo Wei and researchers like Xu Zaifu, Chen Jin, Yang Yongping and others participated in the event.
Following the ceremony, guests took a group photo and toured the exhibition. They appreciated many of Wang Jinyuan’s finest works inspired by tropical rainforest.
A special salon was held in the afternoon. Painters Liu Yitao and Guo Wei shared heart-felt memories of Wang Jinyuan’s guidance and selfless assistance in their artistic development. They made talks concerning “Wang Jinyuan’s flower-and-bird painting art and my artistic journey” and “Reflections on sketching and creating in the tropical rainforest”.
Participants pose a group photo.
Zhang Jiaolin presents donation and collection certificates to Wang Jinyuan's children.
