China's national art museum is celebrating the famous stateswoman, painter and calligrapher, He Xiangning. It's staging an exhibition to mark the 140th anniversary of her birth. Ding Siyue has more.

A dozen original works by revolutionaries He Xiangning and Dr. Sun Yat-sen are on display, as well as nearly 70 works created for the exhibition or collected by individuals. Using artworks as well as historical photos and documents, the exhibition tries to portray He Xiangning's life, while also exploring the political meanings and social values behind her creations.

KONG WEIKE, DEAN THE ART ACADEMY, CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE RCCK "This exhibition is very successful. It is not only a commemoration of He Xiangning, but also a chance for artists to learn more about her. By these creations of modern artists and historical photographs, audiences can gain from He Xiangning's righteousness. We know she had a legendary life. She was an artist with a revolutionary mindset, as well as a revolutionary with artistic characteristics. She combined art and revolution and made it the pursuit of her lifetime."

To understand He Xiangning's works, it is important to know some detail on her background. Together with her husband Liao Zhongkai, she was one of the earliest members of Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary movement Tongmenghui. As a member, she called for equal rights for women. In 1924, she organized China's first rally for International Women's Day. Later she also worked to organize resistance against the Japanese invasion of China. After the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, He Xiangning served in many state positions, including as chairwoman of the China Artists Association.

DING SIYUE BEIJING "He Xiangning was a revolutionary, social activist and artist. Her special status means her works and the nation's destiny were always closely related. This crossover is also shown in her paintings, which portray a sense of struggle and fight."

He Xiangning was skilled in traditional Chinese painting. She drew all kinds of subjects, but her favourite were plants like plum blossoms and chrysanthemums.

XIAO YUTIAN, VICE-PRESIDENT CHINA HUE ART SOCIETY "Art is a manifestation of the artist. He Xiangning's painting is full of righteousness. It is especially embodied in her plum blossoms, where we can feel a sense of integrity."

He Xiangning made outstanding contributions to the establishment of New China and the development of fine arts in the country. This exhibition in the National Arts Museum not only aims to commemorate the revolutionary pioneer, but also encourages young people to embrace her spirit. Ding Siyue, CGTN.