LOS ANGELES – An art exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Mei Lanfang, a world-renowned Chinese Peking Opera artist, opened on Friday at the University of Southern California (USC), marking significant anniversaries related to the artist’s interactions with the United States.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the exhibition titled “Reunion: Mei Lanfang and the United States,” is organized by USC and the Chinese National Academy of Arts. It commemorates the 130th anniversary of Mei’s birth and the 94th anniversary of his historical visit to the U.S. The showcase, located at the USC East Asian Library, runs from September 13 to December 20. This library is noted for its extensive collections that document Chinese culture, providing a fitting backdrop for the exhibition.

Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) is celebrated for his significant contributions to Peking Opera, an integral part of traditional Chinese performing arts. He is particularly remembered for his tour of the United States in 1930, during which he performed across the country and was awarded an honorary doctorate from USC. The exhibition features a variety of artifacts including paintings, historical photographs, and valuable publications, aiming to present the traditional oriental art aesthetics and spiritual core that Mei represented.

During the opening, USC’s Dean of Libraries, Melissa Just, remarked on the importance of the artifacts in understanding Mei’s remarkable journey and legacy. Li Shufeng, vice president of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, described Mei as an “ambassador of art,” who significantly contributed to cultural exchanges between China and the U.S. by introducing Chinese operatic and cultural elements to American audiences.