While they took different paths in their careers, Qi and Zhang both represent the exploration of Chinese art development in the modern age, reflecting "how an ancient civilization could creatively refresh its tradition to adapt to the new times", Xie says.

The current exhibition will help today's audiences to reexamine the time of the two masters and reevaluate their contribution by way of creativity.

"I believe this will be an enlightening discovery as we talk about Chinese ink art, as well as contemporary art, in today's global context," Xie adds.

If you go

Southern Zhang and Northern Qi — Exhibition on Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi

10 am-6 pm (last entry 5 pm), Tuesday-Thursday, 10 am-8:30 pm (last entry 7:30 pm), Friday-Sunday, Sept 2-Oct 16. Long Museum (West Bund) Gallery 5, No 3398, Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district, Shanghai. 021-6422-7636.