Xin Dongwang Exhibition: An expression of China's social transformation

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02:20

An exhibition titled "Psyche: A Portfolio of Xin Dongwang's works" has opened at Tsinghua University's art museum. 92 of Xin's works are on display. The late painter is considered a monumental figure in contemporary Chinese oil painting. Ding Siyue has more.

Retired model worker, farmer in the field and migrant workers. Audiences can always get a taste of life in Xin Dongwang's paintings.

Many of his paintings are focused on working class, especially migrant workers. They are considered as portrayals of China's social transformation, and praised as "portraits of the times".

ZENG CHENGGANG, DEPUTY DEAN ACADEMY OF ARTS & DESIGN, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY "Xin Dongwang often used a positive attitude in portraying migrant workers. Xin said 'I saw their pain but I never express despair'. This is what I'm most touched by. One needs hope to keep going on."

Xin was born in 1963 in a rural village in Hebei Province. Despite the poverty and a tough environment, he kept his passion towards art, and worked his way up to the top level of Chinese contemporary art.

His portrayal of farmers and migrant workers is a reflection of his background. He wasn't an outsider to his subjects. Rather he shared their feelings and experiences.

The people in his paintings are often a bit exaggerated, stocky with big hands and feet. He drew inspiration from traditional Chinese paintings and sculptures. Experts believe he succeeded in bringing traditional Chinese aesthetics into oil painting.

ZENG CHENGGANG, DEPUTY DEAN ACADEMY OF ARTS & DESIGN, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY "His creation provides a new path for Chinese oil painting and set a standard for Chinese oil painting. Xin is a monument in contemporary Chinese art. His works will be remembered by time."

Xin put his understanding and respect for life into every single detail of his paintings.

DING SIYUE BEIJING "Xin Dongwang's works are a vivid expression of China's social transformation, and the faces in his paintings will live on through the development of Chinese contemporary oil painting. DSY, CGTN, BJ."