Born in 1934 in Shanghai, Kong learned painting at an early age. But due to his family's financial problems, he had to abandon painting and go to work at a pen factory when he was 17.

The youth never gave up his passion for art and continued to study painting in his spare time. In 1955, he was admitted to the traditional ink-wash painting department of Zhejiang Academy of Fine Art in Hangzhou.

Kong is an acknowledged expert in depicting clouds and the sea. He also developed his own technique of brushstrokes and splashes.

Some critics say they can tell a Kong cloud from anyone else's.

"Thanks to Chinese traditional painting, I have always kept a healthy body and a peaceful heart," said Kong at the opening of the exhibition. "Perhaps I have stayed at Hangzhou for so many years, and the place actually endows me with a harmonious mood towards life and nature. I am proud to have this show as a climax in my career back at my hometown."

Kong's paintings have been widely collected by art museums and organizations both at home and abroad.

Kong Zhongqi ink-wash exhibition
Date: through March 21, 9am-5pm
Address: 325 Nanjing Xilu
Admission: 20 yuan
Tel: 021-63272829