The First Exhibition of Chinese Farmer Paintings will open at the China Art Museum on June 27 and run for two months.

The paintings capture the colorful landscapes of rural life and the lively character and spirit of the farming community, conveying a profound yearning for a joyful and fulfilling life.

In March 1988, 45 regions, including Jinshan district in Shanghai, were named "Chinese modern folk painting hometowns", further boosting the national and international recognition of farmer paintings.

These areas, rich in economic and cultural heritage or folk art traditions, each have distinct regional styles. Jinshan paintings blend traditional art forms like embroidery and paper-cutting with the rural charm of water towns. Paintings by fishermen from Zhoushan in Zhejiang province are fantastical, with bold colors and a strong marine influence. Shuicheng farmer paintings, from Guizhou province, use high-saturation tones, drawing from batik and embroidery to create striking visuals.

If you go:

• Exhibition dates: June 27 – Aug 24
• Location: No 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm), closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

Sources: Shanghai Artists Association, WeChat account of Jinshan district administration of culture and tourism at "jinshantour"