Finding artists

'Graduation shows' are helping art students exhibit their skills and glimpse the market. Lin Qi reports.

Liu Sizhao speaks in the manner of an eloquent gallerist while explaining to viewers his mixed-media artworks on show. The postgraduate student at Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts believes clothes are as important for an artist's public image as is the person's creativity: He wears a well-fitted suit and a floral-patterned white shirt, with a pocket square, to his exhibition.

Many of his peers go to the venue in casual outfits.