Women of influence

Although she belongs to the post-"cultural revolution" (1966-76) generation, artist Zhao Yi has always been interested in the iconic art forms of those times. One of the most influential of these was the ballet Red Detachment of Women.

First staged in 1964 by the Central Ballet of China, it tells the story of a peasant slave girl who becomes the leader of a Communist-led company of women in the early 1930.

Zhao's oil painting series of the same title draws inspiration from the ballet and the artist tries to put the past in today's context. Under her bold brushes the brave women soldiers look graceful and full of determination and hope. But the vibrant colors gives them just a touch of insecurity and vulnerability.