Psyche: A Portfolio of Xin Dongwang's works

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02:03

An exhibition titled "Psyche: A Portfolio of Xin Dongwang's works" has opened at Tsinghua University's art museum. There are 92 of Xin's works on display.

Xin Dongwang is considered a monumental figure in contemporary Chinese oil painting.

The retired model worker, the 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.

The exhibition hall of 'Psyche: A Portfolio of Xin Dongwang's works.' /CGTN Photo

They are considered as portrayals of China's social transformation, and praised as "portraits of the times."

"Xin Dongwang often used a positive attitude in portraying migrant workers," said Zeng Chenggang, the deputy dean of Tsinghua University’s academy of arts and design. He is also the curator of this exhibition.

"Xin saw their pains, but he never expresses the despair to viewers, and this made me move," Zeng added.

The work of Xin Dongwang, 2001. /CGTN Photo

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

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

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

"His creation provides a new path for Chinese oil painting and set a standard for Chinese oil painting. His works will be remembered by time," Zeng added.