"Silent Night" in "Xintiandi" series by Chinese artist Zhou Gang.

Regarded as an explorer in art, Zhou says, "Art serves communication. In fact, a painting is a good when it can trigger certain resonance in the heart of an appreciator. Otherwise, it loses its value because there is a blockage in appreciative communication."

Zhou paints spontaneously, not commercially, the moment something touches his heart, such as a piece of classical music, a party, a fantasy, a dream.

"So many things are precious at those exact moments and yet so transitory," remarks Zhou. "I am desperate to record them so I can recall them every time I look at the paintings."

Though art collectors would commission his works, Zhou prefers his current approach of painting spontaneously and sharing his feelings.

"To share those moments that once deeply touched me with sincere appreciators is the best experience in an exhibition," says Zhou.