The National Art Museum of China is hosting a new online exhibition that pays tribute to the unsung heroes who have done their best to help curb the COVID-19 outbreak in recent months.

The sculptures were inspired by stories about people volunteering to drive health workers, couriers continuing their work in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak in China, despite the epidemic, a couple who dedicated themselves to helping at hospitals, and workers at the construction site of Huoshenshan Hospital – a facility designated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan.

Sculptors from all around China contributed their pieces to the show. They paid tribute to grassroots heroes from all walks of life, who have done their best to fight against the pandemic. 

Wu Weishan, director of the National Art Museum of China, also lent his work, titled "Duty," to the event. He believed the show reflects artists' sense of social responsibility and said that the museum will roll out more online exhibitions of this kind.

"I think this exhibition has enriched the spiritual life of people, when they were stuck at home due to the pandemic. We will promote this form of online exhibiting, to let more people know about the great deeds of grassroots fighters on the front line, their courage and sacrifices," said Wu. 

A total of 21 sculptures are on display. Among them are the portraits of a medical team from Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. To show their determination in fighting the coronavirus, they shaved their head before departing for Wuhan. The portrait of Zhong Nanshan, China's top respiratory specialist, is also featured in the show.

Museums in China are gradually reopening to the public as the coronavirus outbreak eases in the country.