Guanyuan Cultural and Creative Park in Minhang district welcomed Tim Benson, a renowned oil painter from the United Kingdom and former president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters on Jan 31.

Chinese and British artists connect in Shanghai studio

Tim Benson spent the afternoon at the studio of master artist Chen Jialing, located in Guanyuan park.

Chen is a leading figure in Shanghai-style art and modern ink painting, known for integrating traditional brushwork with contemporary expression. Trained under other masters such as Pan Tianshou and Lu Yanshao, he has developed a distinctive visual language that resonates both in China and internationally.

During the visit, Benson viewed Chen's works and the two artists exchanged ideas on creativity, tradition, and modern interpretation. Under Chen's guidance, the younger artist experienced Chinese calligraphy for the first time and tried his hand at painting on plain porcelain.

Chen also presented Benson with a hand-written "fu" character representing fortune — a gesture of goodwill in anticipation of the looming Chinese New Year.

During their conversation, Benson said he arrived in China with two primary objectives: to gain firsthand insight into the techniques and creative philosophy of Chinese art, and to explore avenues for future collaboration with Chen Jialing and his contemporaries.

About Guanyuan Cultural and Creative Park

Once a collection of old industrial buildings in Caohang village, Meilong town, Guanyuan park has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub that blends art exhibitions, studio spaces, public education, and green landscapes. It is now home to several master artists' studios and has become a recognized cultural landmark in Shanghai.

Benson's visit reflects the deepening cultural dialogue between China and the rest of the world.

As Shanghai continues to build its role as a global cultural city, spaces like Guanyuan are increasingly important in fostering international exchange, opening new pathways for collaboration between artists from China, the UK, and beyond.

Source: WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Minhang district committee at "minhangnews"