Artist and fine-arts educator, Jin Shangyi is regarded by many as the man who began the process of converting foreign art language into Chinese art discourse. An exhibition paying tribute to him began over the weekend at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. Sun Wei had a look.

As many as 87 donated oil paintings and sketchings by Jin Shangyi are on display, all but six are collections of the National Art Museum. They include some of his highly-influential oil painting portraits. A highlight is the famous Tajik Bride, completed in 1983. This work, along with others, unveils the maturity of the painting language style of classicism that Jin went in for in the 1980s.

SUN WEI BEIJING "Aged 85, Mr. Jin has spent seven decades on fine arts creation and education. He is an artist who creates with a strong sense of self-awareness."

Jin says he got his inspiration from his daily life, showing his genuine concern for reality. The artist has engaged with Western classical oil painting by blending brush-and-ink techniques into precise shapes and rendering realistic details with Chinese artistic conception.  

WU WEISHAN, DIRECTOR THE NATIONAL ART MUSEUM OF CHINA "On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China, Mr. Jin donates some of his works to the National Art Museum. It fully demonstrates the noble character and patriotism of the artist. It's also a great honor of the NAMOC to stage the exhibition for Mr. Jin and incorporate his works in the Donation and Collection Series Exhibition of the museum. I hope that his ideas and thoughts, and modesty and sincerity, are bluntly exposed to viewers through his works."

Born in Henan province in 1934, Jin Shangyi graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Art in 1953. He would later become dean of the academy and president of the Chinese Artists Association. Many industry insiders believe his relentless efforts over the past 50 years gave rise to the new landscape of Chinese oil painting. At the opening of the exhibition, Jin emphasized the importance of giving nature and the inner world a voice.

JIN SHANGYI ARTIST & ARTS EDUCATOR "As an oil painter, I know the principles and charm of oil painting, and I can perfectly recognize a good work. It is not about what you paint, but what you are trying to convey. Now I more appreciate paintings that spark off feelings and emotion. Of course, I'm also honored to see my works being exhibited here at the National Art Museum."

The exhibition continues until April 21st. SW, CGTN.