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NIM SAST Students Galloping Horses at Jiangxia Tang: An Artistic Learning Journey
Students from the School of Arts, Science, and Technology, visited the Singapore Xu Beihong Art Gallery for the exhibition “Galloping Horses at Jiangxia Tang”. The exhibition marks the gallery’s grand opening in 2026 and showcases iconic works by the renowned Chinese artist Xu Beihong, celebrated for his expressive ink paintings of horses that symbolise strength, resilience, and freedom.
During the visit, students were given an exclusive guided tour by gallery curator Dan Hong, who shared the inspiration behind each artwork while offering insights into Xu Beihong’s artistic journey. Through her explanations, students gained a deeper appreciation of the artist’s disciplined brushwork, his mastery of traditional Chinese ink techniques, and the cultural influences that shaped his work.
Importantly, the session also explored Xu Beihong’s connections to Southeast Asia and Singapore. The curator explained how Xu Beihong visited the region and developed relationships with members of the Chinese community and cultural leaders. These connections helped promote Chinese art and cultural exchange in Singapore and contributed to the development of Chinese artistic appreciation within the local community. Students were able to understand how artistic networks and cross-cultural engagement played an important role in building Xu Beihong’s reputation and legacy beyond China.
The visit also provided an opportunity for experiential learning. Students examined the artworks with the objectivity of analysing elements such as technique, composition, and historical context rather than relying solely on personal impressions. By studying Xu Beihong’s lifelong dedication to refining his craft, they were able to reflect on the value of perseverance in artistic development.
Xu Beihong’s ambition to elevate Chinese art onto the international stage further inspired the students, demonstrating how vision and commitment can shape cultural influence across borders. Through this gallery experience, students were encouraged to connect artistic philosophy with their own creative practices while gaining a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and visual storytelling in Singapore’s multicultural art landscape.
Overall, the visit to the “Galloping Horses at Jiangxia Tang” exhibition provided a meaningful and enriching learning experience. Through direct engagement with the artworks and the curator’s explanations, students gained deeper insight into Chinese ink artistry, the life and struggles of a master artist, and the cultural links between China and Singapore that continue to shape artistic exchange today.