Artists explore Wuxi from Sept 18 to 19. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Artists from China, the United States and Italy gathered in Wuxi from Sept 18 to 19 for a cross-cultural sketching and academic exchange inspired by Ni Yunlin, the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) master also known as Ni Zan.

At Ni's ancestral hall in Huishan Ancient Town, guided by a scholar from the Jiangsu Ni Yunlin Research Association, the artists viewed architecture built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and sketched by a lotus pond on the first day, experiencing the serene spirit of Ni's literati painting. They later visited the Ni Zan Memorial Hall and paid respects at his tomb.

Artists pose for a group photo in front of the Ni Zan Memorial Hall. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

On Sept 19, after touring the Wuxi Art Museum, the group attended a seminar on Ni's artistic spirit, East-West aesthetics and cultural innovation.

Gao Yun, founding president of the Jiangsu Chinese Painting Society, called Ni a cultural symbol of Wuxi and a bridge between local heritage and world art. His works are in the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Artists show their sketches in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Gail Threinen, membership committee director of the American Ink Painting Society, praised Ni's quiet yet powerful aesthetic. Laudisa Paolo, a lifetime professor at Rome's Academy of Fine Arts and guest professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said Ni's use of blank space offers fresh inspiration for Western art and proposed joint exhibitions.

The exchange program is part of Jiangsu's broader effort to bring its cultural heritage to international audiences. Organizers said Wuxi plans to build on Ni's legacy with more artist exchanges and exhibitions, inviting creators from around the world to engage with Jiangnan's artistic traditions and keep the region's cultural story in global dialogue.