Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the birth of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. In Beijing, there is an ongoing art exhibition of the works of Wei Chuyu to mark this great day. 

Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the birth of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. In China, both governments and individuals have held various activities to commemorate this occasion. In Beijing, there is an ongoing art exhibition of the works of Wei Chuyu. He believes people's love for Mao Zedong, rather than disappearing, will become stronger as time passes. Wang Lei reports.

Professor Wei Chuyu from the Beijing-based Renmin University designed the commemorative stamps for the centenary of the birth of Mao Zedong ten years ago. This year, he held an individual art exhibition on Mao Zedong.

One of the major workers on the exhibition is an oil painting called "searching the truth", which depicts a senior Chairman Mao reading under the light on a much patched-up bed that is filled with books.

Professor Wei says he had the chance to go to Mao Zedong's study and bedroom in 1992. What he saw made him almost shed tears. Except for the books, the only luxury in the house is two pencils made in Europe. As few would have the same opportunity, Professor Wei felt as an artist, he had the responsibility to let more people know through his painting the real life of Mao Zedong.

He spent seven years at this and completed it in 1999. He says what supported him all along is a strong admiration of the late Chinese leader.

"I think Mao Zedong is a sage of our nation. He is a hero of the Chinese. He is able to surpass the differences of politics, religion, and territory, and win respect from every Chinese. The longer it takes, the more charismatic he becomes."

Professor Wei thinks what is permanent about Mao Zedong is his spirit, which is hard work and plain living, going all out for the prosperity of the country and the whole nation. He says that's also of realistic significance for today's China.

One of the audience, a young student from the Tibetan Middle School, Luosang Zunzhou shares the view.

"I'll learn from Mao Zedong his attitude toward work. He is so earnest and so immersed in his work that it seems nothing else could distract him. I think that's what I need as a student. Later, when I find a job I'll work in the same way."

The art exhibition has attracted many senior citizens. Nearly 70-year old Zhu Guoben is one of them. Formerly an official from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration, he says he knows little about art but he is attracted toward the exhibition out of his admiration of Mao Zedong.

"I am someone who experienced the Age of Mao Zedong. During that age, we tasted the happiness of socialist achievement, but we also made quite a few detours. As a leader of that age, Mao Zedong should be looked at from a historical perspective. His contribution is indelible and his spirit will encourage us to work for a better future."

Other activities held in China for the occasion include photo exhibitions, publication of Mao Zedong's poems, and documentary films on Mao Zedong. These attract millions of Chinese to come and commemorate the beloved leader.

(CRI December 26, 2003)