From rags to artistic riches

Zhang Dingzhao can paint a portrait with a kitchen rag, or make use of a spatula to whip up a complicated piece of Chinese symbolism, in line with his philosophy that life is what you make you it.

"I paint with everything I can find, from brushes and spatulas to rags and loofah sponges," said the 71-year-old from his Pudong studio. "I believe in using everything I can get my hands on when it comes on."

The former dean of East China Normal University's art department has joined hands with Liu Shijiang, a former student of his, to present an oil painting exhibition in Shanghai featuring art deco-influenced portraits, patterns found on antique bronze sculptures, and old fish fossils dating back millions of years.