Muralists take old art form to cutting edge

From the earliest etchings on cave walls to guerilla art painted on walls inside subway stations, murals have developed right along with human culture for thousands of years. The just-ended third National Mural Exhibition in Beijing, held once every five years, offered a glimpse into the current development of an art form that dates back to the Stone Age.

The 159 murals on display at the Art Museum of Central Academy of Fine Arts showed muralists' exploration of new materials applied to murals in the past five years. Murals are not simple paintings on walls any more. Sculptures, installations and new media are incorporated into this traditional art form.

"Murals are all inclusive of different art forms. As long as it suits the environment, everything can be used when creating a mural, such as metals, ceramics and other comprehensive materials," says honorary chairman of the China Mural Association Hou Yimin.