Paintings by French artist Rémy Aron are on show at exhibition  Past Modern. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Aron has frequently traveled and painted in China over the past 15 years. And the exhibition also has a selection from his paintings of Chinese scenery. He says China has always been a country of painting, either in terms of the classic ink paintings or the modern oil paintings.

"She (China) retains great vibrancy. She is like Florence during the Renaissance period, because she preserves the traditions of art and art education while developing the economy," he says.

"I hope young people in China and France can stick to the core value of painting in the desert of contemporary art, by which we can anticipate a cultural renaissance of our time."

Aron's exhibition is being held at the Ici Labas gallery in the 798 art district, and runs through Aug 17.