As the youngest artist to exhibit at China's National Art Museum, Peng Si shot to fame in his twenties. A self-taught oil painter, he has used the medium as a vehicle for self-exploration over the years.

Surveying his latest solo exhibition, critics speak of how different it is from his past work, and they have certainly been forthcoming with praise.

"The exhibition features bright sunlight, a reflection of the artist's current status," explains Du Qing, Manager of O2art Gallery in Beijing. "Peng has used highly saturated fluorescent color blocks in this work. The dazzling hues help express a lush state and a strong mood."

The strongly abstract nature of the pieces is far removed from the figurative work featured in Peng's solo show at the China National Art Museum six years ago.

"My past work would reflect a classical feeling, drawing from classical European or ancient Chinese paintings," Peng says. "When I worked, great artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Tiziano Vecellio, or Zhu Da would come to my mind. People could understand my art through the help of others. And today, they're all gone. I'm the one who remains." 

Although Peng majored in printmaking at China's Central Academy of Fine Arts, he found himself more drawn to working with brushes. "I like the very direct expression of oil painting," he says.

Peng taught himself by imitating the masters of Impressionism. His work caused a sensation as soon as it hit the market. 

"I did win acclaim at an early age, around 26 or 27. It was like a peak when I got started," he says.

Peng's early fame and style change every few years brought to mind the legendary painter Pablo Picasso, with market demand doing little to stop him from moving forward.

After a show in 2014, he began a journey to southern China, and decided to settle down in Wuyi Mountains in coastal Fujian Province.

"My creations changed dramatically when I lived in the Wuyi Mountains," he recalls. "I tried a variety of expressions and materials, and the experience had a lasting impact on my paintings today." 

Then, after returning to Beijing in 2019, Peng says he broke all the confines of his past work and started something brand new. 

Instead of identifying his creations as either eastern or western, today, he says it's his inner self that is speaking in his work. 

"I respect the moment I sit here. I just project myself onto the canvas. I'm free of burdens. Life should be simple. Enjoy it even when you cry or feel lonely," he says.