Narrative in oil

Ever since Chinese artists started to paint with oil a century ago, they have been exploring how to translate the Western art form in the context of their own culture.

Today, a large number of artists work with oil, and their approaches vary from the realistic to the abstract. Their techniques are more mature, and their works sell well in galleries and at auctions.

An ongoing exhibition at the Shandong Art Museum critiques the dynamics and problems of Chinese oil painting, addressing issues such as the repositioning of oil painting and the core spirit of painting.