An exhibition of paintings by Chinese farmer-artists has been captivating the audience in The Hague, Netherlands, since it opened on Sept 12.

Titled Moon Shining Over the Sea, the exhibition showcases 32 paintings by farmers from Shanghai's Jinshan district. The artworks, with their bright colors and rustic style, depict the daily lives and aspirations of Chinese people, winning the hearts of visitors.

The exhibition is hosted at the China Cultural Center Den Haag (The Hague) as part of "Amazing Shanghai", a series of exhibitions promoting international exchange between Shanghai and the world.

Jinshan, Shanghai's southernmost suburban district, is home to a village where many farmers have practiced painting for decades.

Back in the 1970s, in response to the country's call for urban educated youths to go to the countryside for re-education, the village welcomed a few professional painters, who taught local farmers the skills to create their own works.

Over the decades, the farmers have developed a distinctive artistic style, typically colorful and covering a wide range of subjects, from landscapes of local water towns and family gatherings to unique elements of Chinese culture and tradition.

Blending traditional folk arts such as paper-cutting and embroidery with a modern aesthetic, their work is often referred to as "Eastern Picasso" art.

Since 2018, the exhibition series has traveled to cities including Kyoto, Osaka, and Sydney, becoming a signature event for promoting Shanghai overseas.

During the opening, Qiu Jianguo, a farmer-painter from Jinshan, said: "I hope this exhibition conveys not only the charm of Shanghai's folk art but also our best wishes for cultural exchange between China and the Netherlands."

The exhibition will run until Sept 17.

Source: Jiefang Daily