Shrimp 

Qi Baishi painted 'Shrimp' using ink on paper. Baishi grew up in rural China and began life as a peasant, themes of nature and the everyday frequently appear in his work. Baishi broke from traditional, formal Chinese painting styles by developing his own, more expressive, style. He often depicted small, humble creatures such as mice, frogs, and, as seen here, shrimp. Baishi’s choice of subject matter reflects his own identity as a commoner. In Chinese culture, shrimp symbolize good fortune and abundance, they also symbolize the ability to adapt and be flexible. These are qualities Baishi would have needed to survive and thrive as he rose from poverty to become a world-renowned artist. In Shrimp, Baishi captures the essence of these small creatures with just a few brushstrokes. Baishi’s shrimps can be seen as a reflection of his own resilience, adaptability, and ability to flourish in a changing world. They speak to the universal human experience of overcoming adversity and finding beauty in the everyday.