Traditional Chinese paintings, with a modern twist

At first glance, the works of art by Kong Jinghai, who is more popularly known as Ahai, come across as traditional Chinese paintings. But delve deeper and it soon becomes clear why this Nanjing native calls himself a contemporary artist.

Although his creations, 28 of which are now being showcased at the Anyi Gallery in downtown Shanghai from April 14 to May 29, often depict people in ancient Chinese settings, he has built a name of himself with his playful introductions of modern elements such as a fedora or high-heeled shoes.

In a reproduction of a classical painting featuring garden scenery, he introduces playing cards onto a stool with a mother-of-pearl inlay. In another painting, ducks of disproportionate sizes immediately grab the viewer's attention.