Events › Presentation: My Father Artist Xu Beihong. Talk by Author Xu Fangfang

Welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse with Art, Heritage, and Celebration!

In the spirited celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, we are honored to highlight the extraordinary legacy of Xu Beihong 徐悲鴻 (1895–1953), widely acclaimed as the father of modern Chinese painting. Best known for his dynamic ink brush paintings of galloping horses—symbols of strength, vitality, and perseverance—Xu Beihong was a pioneering artist who brilliantly fused Chinese and Western artistic traditions and inspired generations of Chinese artists.

Xu Fangfang, daughter of Xu Beihong, will present her memoir, Galloping Horses: Artist Xu Beihong and His Family in Mao’s China, sharing a deeply personal account of how her family and her father’s artistic legacy endured the political upheavals from 1949 through 1976. The presentation will feature stunning, high-quality images of Xu Beihong’s masterpieces, including his iconic Galloping Horse, followed by a book signing.

Join us in welcoming the Year of the Horse with art, history, and inspiration!

About the Speaker

Born in Beijing, Xu Fangfang moved to the U.S. in 1981 and earned a B.A. in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.B.A. from Stanford University. In 2000, she became the founding director of the music department at Renmin University of China. She helped initiate and facilitate the first comprehensive solo U.S. exhibition of Xu Beihong’s work, presented by the Denver Art Museum, October 2011 to January 2012. She has published several articles on Xu Beihong and his art, including “Xu Beihong’s Life and Art” and “Xu Beihong's Connection with India” in Art no. 09 (2020).

This program is sponsored by Friends of the Oakland Public Library.