Shandong artists depict contemporary life in traditional ways

Han Xiao, a painter at Ji'nan City Art Gallery, provided a selection from her series on people who contribute to China's scientific and technological achievements and the rise of the nation.

Named A Dream Realized Above the Sky, Han's portrait features an astronaut and the reflections of China's lunar rover in his helmet.

"I don't like to draw traditional subjects, such as landscapes or people in ancient palaces," she said. "In my ongoing series, I use ink wash techniques to draw astronauts, pilots, firefighters, and soldiers in today's society."

In a congratulation letter to the exhibition, Feng Yuan, vice president of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, said: "Young artists are full of creativity and are the most active members of society. From their works, I can see their tireless quest for a muse through creative expression."

"Youth is the other word for avant-garde in any era, and as we live in a great time, young artists will produce great art," he said.

Chen Qing, vice dean of the Fine Arts College of Shanghai University, said works by Shandong artists have a strong visual impact, as they tend to choose larger canvases and draw big subjects in grand style.

"I hope to see more paintings from Shandong artists in Shanghai, and hope this exhibition can start further dialogue and exchange between artists in the future," Chen said.

The exhibition was organized by Shandong Provincial Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the Shandong Commission of the Communist Youth League of China, Shandong Association of Young Artists, and Shandong Youth Federation in collaboration with the Fine Arts College at Shanghai University.