Guangdong Museum (Guangzhou Lu Xun Museum)
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) pulses with cultural fusion, technological innovation, and boundless energy. In the summer of 2026, the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) and the Guangdong Museum (Guangzhou Lu Xun Museum) reunite to unveil Lucidity in a Prosperous Era, showcasing Qing-dynasty masterpieces from Guangdong.
On behalf of the Guangdong Museum, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the MAM on the successful hosting of Lucidity in a Prosperous Era: Guangdong Paintings of the Qing Dynasty.
This exhibition is another successful example of collaboration between cultural institutions within the GBA, bringing together treasured collections from four premier museums: the MAM, the Guangdong Museum, the Guangzhou Museum of Art, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Taking ‘Guangdong Paintings of the Qing Dynasty’ as its main theme, it showcases representative works selected from different historical periods.
As visitors journey through these masterpieces, they step into the flourishing world of Lingnan artists during the Qing dynasty, where diverse styles come to life. Each artwork invites a deeper appreciation of Guangdong painting's unique charm, from its expressive brushwork and evolving themes to its rich blend of cultural influences.
Situated between the Nanling Mountains and the South China Sea, Guangdong stands as a vibrant cradle of Lingnan culture. Since the Qing dynasty, as society and the economy have blossomed and cultural exchanges have deepened, the world of Guangdong painting has thrived, consequently nurturing a constellation of ever-evolving styles.
This exhibition explores the evolution of Guangdong painting during this era by presenting carefully chosen works, covering both celebrated masterpieces and the exquisite artistry of hidden talents from the Qing period. With this comprehensive and representative selection of paintings, the exhibition brings to life the vibrant diversity and enduring spirit of Lingnan painting in all its vivid detail.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance assumes its responsibility with passion, fostering cultural exchange throughout the region and promoting the shared preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage. As key members, the Guangdong Museum and the MAM have built a close and enduring partnership over the years. From the 2020 project A Tale of Three Cities: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Export of Silk Products in the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the 2024 exhibition Focus: Integration of Art between China and the West in the 18th - 19th Centuries, the MAM has played a vital role in supporting many of the Guangdong Museum's major exhibitions. Together, the two institutions have joined forces in academic research, exhibition planning, and the sharing of collections – yielding impressive achievements. This time, the exhibition Lucidity in a Prosperous Era and its accompanying catalogue offer a thorough exploration of Qing-dynasty Lingnan painting while also standing as a vivid testament to our shared commitment to advancing museum collaboration and enriching cultural life across the GBA.
Art weaves through ages and boundaries, with every stroke of brush and ink capturing the echoes of history. On behalf of the Guangdong Museum, I once again wish to express my deepest gratitude to the MAM for its generous invitation and heartfelt hospitality. My sincere thanks also go to everyone whose dedication brought this exhibition to life. May these exquisite ink art creations inspire visitors to discover the GBA's rich cultural legacy and unique artistic spirit.
I look forward to our ongoing partnership, strengthening cultural bonds throughout the Greater Bay Area, sharing the brilliance of China's traditions, and opening a new chapter in museum and cultural collaboration.
Xiao Haiming
Director of the Guangdong Museum (Guangzhou Lu Xun Museum)