More than one focus

When Hao Xiaoshi, 88, laid out brushes, ink and paper last October to create the works for his exhibition in Beijing this month, his children and friends couldn't help feeling a little anxious. The famous yet reclusive artist has traveled and exhibited his works all over the world, but was about to fulfill his life-long dream of holding an exhibition in Beijing.

"I have never held an exhibition in Beijing and, as a Beijinger, this has always seemed to me a bit of a shame," Hao says. "Although my children were worried about my health, I insisted on finishing all 88 works myself. This is my wish."

Born in 1920 to a family of literati, Hao has studied traditional Chinese ink painting and calligraphy since he was 6 years old. His Mount Lushan series, and imitations of Lan Ting Prologue by Wang Xizhi and Along the River During Qingming Festival by Song Dynasty artist Zhang Zeduan have won him wide acclaim. His manner of color application is in complete contrast to the Chinese tradition, yet his landscapes are poetically inspired.