The Central Academy of Fine Arts is considered to be one of China's top art schools. Every year, students hold an exhibit – open to the public – as part of their graduation. This year's show has drawn huge crowds in Beijing.
More than 3,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, digital art, installations and other art forms are on display at the CAFA Art Museum. Over the past 10 days, visitors have poured in for a glimpse. Some of the exhibits have gained wide attention on social media.
Graduate student Zhang Ziwei started making her graduation creation since last October.
"I named it Colony Symbiosis. Light is cast on the cell-like acrylic. The shadows demonstrate the relationship between individuals and an entity. The network and the lines symbolize outward erosion and, at the same time, bind the individuals together. They are both individual and part of a whole, displaying a state of vitalization," said Zhang.
"Colony Symbiosis" by Zhang Ziwei. /CGTN
Some of the visitors have different views on the artwork.
"At first sight, it made me think of jellyfish, flowers and blood vessels. Then, ideas of floating, life and reincarnation also popped up," said one visitor.
No matter what impresses the viewers, Zhang said the enthusiasm makes her seven months of work worthwhile.
The museum allows a maximum of 3,000 visitors per day. And they've been fully booked since the exhibition opened.
Liu Chang's installation "The Choir" is always surrounded by visitors. It gives them a stage to receive applause, and many of them stop to interact with these "audience members."
Installation "The Choir" by Liu Chang. /CGTN
"I'm impressed by scenes of parents bringing their children here to experience it," said Liu. "It's an interesting picture of a kid standing on stage being cheered on. Everyone deserves applause. That's what I want to express."
The exhibit wraps up on May 20. All artwork will then go online with a virtual 3D experience.