Shanxi residents can feast their eyes on authentic artworks of different masters during an exhibition of the selected collections from Shanxi Painting Academy from Aug 16 to Sept 20.

The Shanxi Painting Academy exhibits a collection of 136 paintings and calligraphy pieces. Majority of the art works are made by modern artists. This is the first time masterpieces by modern noted Chinese artists, such as Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian and Wu Changshuo, are being shown to the public.

"It's exciting to appreciate authentic artworks of masters without going to other cities like Beijing and Shanghai," said Zhang Hanwen, a fine arts graduate who visited the exhibition on Aug 20.

There is a collection of more than 600 authentic paintings and calligraphy pieces dating from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to the current period in Shanxi Painting Academy. It took the academy approximately 40 years to collect and preserve these art creations, according to Wang Xuehui, dean of Shanxi Painting Academy.

"Through the platform of the first Shanxi Art Festival, we hope more people can view masters' authentic artworks and provide opportunities for art workers and amateurs to communicate and learn," said Wang.

Visitors view the artworks by Qi Baishi, a Chinese artist, at the exhibition of the selected collections from Shanxi Painting Academy. There are 10 paintings by Qi Baishi on display at the exhibition. [Photo/news.cn]