Chinese Landscape Painter Qiu Shihua Dies at 85, Leaving Legacy of Ethereal 'White Landscapes'

Qiu Shihua, an influential figure in contemporary Chinese landscape painting, passed away at the age of 85 on September 12 in Shenzhen, as reported by Hanart TZ Gallery in Hong Kong. He was born in Sichuan in 1940 and completed his studies at the Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts in 1962. His artistic journey faced challenges during the Cultural Revolution, which forced him into propaganda roles. In the 1980s, after moving to Shenzhen and discovering French Impressionism, he evolved his style, incorporating Taoist elements to create his signature 'white landscapes.' His innovative method featured dark outlines on unprimed canvases layered with white paint. He showcased his work internationally, participating in events like the São Paulo Art Biennial (1996) and the Venice Biennale (1999), with pieces housed in prominent institutions such as M+ and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.