A retrospective exhibition about printmaking in Qidong, a county-level city in Nantong, Jiangsu province, opened in the city's art museum on Dec 20, showcasing the historical development of Qidong's printmaking through a total of 76 works from 44 artists.

The earliest printmaking in Qidong was created during the new woodcut movement, organized by Lu Xun, a well-known Chinese litterateur, in the 1930s. Later, an amateur group was set up in the city in 1959 - one of China's earliest amateur printmaking groups.

The current Qidong Prints Institute was developed from the amateur group and has a 60-year history. It was approved as China's only prints institute by the government in 1985, which is when the amateur printmaking group became professional.

One work showcased at a retrospective exhibition on Qidong's printmaking from Dec 20 to 30 [Photo/ntjoy.com]

Over the past 60 years, a total of 181 printmaking works have been displayed at several national and international exhibitions, 25 of which were honored with national or international awards. Around 180 works are collected in art galleries, museums and colleges around China, and 16 Qidong artists have become members of the China Artists Association.

The works that are being exhibited this time are from four generations of artists in Qidong. The earliest work in the exhibition was created in 1959.

The exhibition aims to help young artists to learn about the history of Qidong's printmaking and to create works that reflect the characteristics of the era.

The exhibition will run until Dec 30.