A show of portraits at the National Art Museum of China is also a conversation among the three major art genres - oil on canvas, fine brushwork (gongbi) and ink-and-wash painting. Some 156 works by 52 artists occupy five exhibition halls of the museum. Facing the works of Chen Danqing, Wang Meng and others, viewers can appreciate the different characteristics of each artist's style.

Sponsored by the China Oil Painting Institute, Beijing Fine Brushwork (Gonbi) Painting Association and the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the exhibition represents Chinese work of the highest level.

Portrait has long been a common theme of all kinds of art works both for Chinese and Western artists. Traditional Chinese portraits are mainly executed in the style of fine brushwork to present emperors, empress and beauties. With the new attempts of the artists in the early 20th century, this genre was developed into free-hand ink and wash, with its theme expended to literati and ordinary people. The founding of New China has witnessed a flourishing period, with timely works presenting figures against the background of historical events.

Chinese oil painting stems from the court works of the early 20th century when Western missionaries came to the oriental country, bringing with them a new perspective. It became localized and evolved into the major painting genre it is today. Contemporary portraits by Chinese artists have continued to develop in various innovative ways. After the Beijing debut, the show will tour Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities of China, then Sydney next year.

Venue: National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District

Opening hours: 9am-5pm, until Dec 14

Price: 20 yuan

Tel: 010- 6401-7076

(Beijing Weekend December 8, 2007)