A woodblock prints exhibition kicked off at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing last Friday to mark the 100th birth anniversary of its owner Wang Qi, a Chinese woodcutting master who passed away in 2016 at the age of 98.

Over 140 pieces of his work are on display -- a retrospect of the master engraver's artistic career embedded with the black and white prints. Some of his sketches, ink paintings and calligraphy are also exhibited.

"As an artist, Wang Qi created numerous realistic woodblock prints depicting social changes in modern China since the 1930s. He was also an educator and researcher – he has taught at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts for over three decades, and he compiled the first book on Western art history for Chinese artists in the 1960s. He was a great pioneer in China’s art scene,” noted Fan Di’an, head of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts.

To support the exhibition, Wang’s family donated 142 of his works to the academy including original woodblocks, journals, letters and newspaper clippings.

Wang himself also donated 120 works to the academy before his death. "I saw my father’s passion for engraving and his love for the academy. It’s his wish to make donations to the academy. I’m so happy that I could help him realize his dream today," said Wang Qi’s son Wang Wei. 

"These donated works are of great importance for the studies of modern Chinese art history, and the art of woodblock printing in China in particular," added Fan. 

Born in Chongqing in 1918, Wang was trained in traditional Chinese painting from his father, who was a calligrapher. In the 1930s, the artist embarked on his decades-long journey of woodblock prints.

The exhibition that will run until late February next year is also held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts.