A picture tells a thousand words, which can be especially useful when looking back at the country's revolutionary history since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Few artists have captured this history better with the paintbrush than renowned oil painter and the man dubbed "China's living Michelangelo," Zhang Wenxin.
The 84-year-old Tianjin native, a leading figure from the third generation of Chinese oil painters, currently has some 80 paintings on display at an exhibition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) that runs until October 8.
"Zhang produced many masterpieces during every important period following the founding of the People's Republic of China. We aim to show viewers how the old generation of artists made successive efforts to localize Western-style art," said Wang Zhengming, vice dean of the NCPA, at a press conference Saturday.
Most of Zhang's artworks center around the revolution, including his "god-like" depiction of Chairman Mao Zedong - an artistic endeavor he would later come to regret.
"People used to call me a government painter. I agree, but not 100 percent. I had no choice at the time," Zhang said at the press conference.
"I have painted many paintings in my life. My subjects were either painted in the light or in the backlight. For example, those I painted during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76) were in the backlight. When I see these paintings now, I feel scared."
Among Zhang's masterpieces at the exhibition are Engineering Train (1957) depicting People's Volunteer Army troops and Thin Out Seedlings (1963). Other popular paintings including Going Ahead Bravely (1977) are also being showcased.
When: Until October 8
Where: NCPA, 2 Chang'an West Avenue, Xicheng district
Admission: 30 yuan
Contact: 6655-0000
Editor: MetalAllen
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