The exhibition of 60 of Yang's recent works is under way at the Shanghai Art Museum.

Born in 1938 in Shenxian County, Hebei Province, Yang graduated from the Beijing Art Academy in 1938.

He painted in oil for several decades but switched to rice paper in the late 1970s. Unlike his peers, Yang's ink-wash paintings are filled with sundry textures and layers of hues, strongly influenced by his experience in oil.

His subjects are related to water, clouds and mist and his works have a feeling of moisture.

"Some says what one acquires in his or her childhood greatly decides one's later life," Yang explains. "I grew up in a village along the river. All the kids were good at swimming and fishing."

Thus Yang has a feeling for water, which he expresses in the form of clouds, mist and fog in his creations.

"I particularly painted some of China's southern canal towns for this show," Yang says. "Though many artists have addressed the subject, I still wanted to infuse the scenes with something new."

Yang's canal town paintings are filled with historical depth, not romantic nostalgia. He reflects the erosion of time and harmony.

Date: December 22-27, 9am-5pm
Address: 325 Nanjing Rd W.
Admission: 20 yuan
Tel: 021-6327-2829