An exhibition featuring masterpieces of the renowned Chinese painter Zhang Ding is underway at the China Art Gallery in Beijing.

A total of 180 pieces are being displayed, which reflect the artist's achievements throughout his life. Nearly 130 works were chosen by the 88-year-old artist himself and have been donated to China Art Gallery.

Zhang Ding was born in northeast China in 1917. He established his fame for his skill of drawing caricatures, and later shifted to design. At the beginning of 1960s, Zhang Ding made innovative changes to Chinese painting by using western painting techniques as a reference.

He participated in the creation of the national emblem and the first group of commemorative stamps after the founding of the People's Republic of China. He was also in charge of the creation of a large-scale fresco, Nezha Playing with the Sea, at the Capital International Airport.

(CRI.com May 8, 2005)