Well-known Taiwanese calligrapher Prof Li Chi Mao was here at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM in Malaysia to hold a solo exhibition entitled "The World of Li Chi Mao’s Ink Paintings" from October 5 to 12, 2008. Jointly organised by City Art Gallery and SGM, the exhibition showcased 79 artworks. SGI Taiwan has also exhibited his artworks together with SGI President Ikeda’s ‘Dialogue with Nature’ Photograph Exhibition.

Hailing from China’s Anhui province, Prof Li, now 83, is not only active as an artist but is also the Head of Carrie Chang Fine Art Centre, Tamkang University of Taiwan while actively promoting Chinese culture and leading numerous major literary activities, enriching every local cultural stratum.

Shifting the boundaries of traditional ink painting to create art imbued with his conviviality, his subjects could be divided into two main parts: portraits, and animals and birds. His portrayals of all aspects of the life of common people in Taiwan were his most accomplished works. Depicting various facets of local customs, modern and creative, the artworks reflected his unique style and character, closely connected to his way of life.

His ability to capture the motion of objects and his selection of subjects were considered by some museums to be his greatest strengths. Even in still-lifes, he manages to imply motion in the past and the future. Deeply engrossing and captivating was a particular piece consisting of hundreds of monkeys resting, climbing, picking lice, playing or having fun on tree branches and trunks. Each creature was different from the others, its unique characteristic revealed in a few deft stroke of the master’s brush.

In conjunction with the exhibition, an album called "The Art of Li Chi-Mao" was also been launched.