A visitor admires a painting at a fascinating exhibition that has just opened at the Nantong Museum. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

An exhibition that has just opened places a spotlight on the influence of Nantong  on Chinese arts, according to local officials.

The Study Exhibition of Nantong Phenomenon in Chinese Fine Arts opened on Dec 3 at the Nantong Museum, with a total of 83 works by 45 native artists on display.

The event was hosted by the publicity department of the CPC Nantong committee, the Nantong bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism and the Nantong federation of literary and art circles.

A collection of essays discussing Nantong Phenomenon in Chinese Fine Arts was also released at the opening ceremony and was donated to several local cultural institutes, including the museum, the Nantong Library and the School of Art Nantong University.

Experts say the fine arts of Nantong occupy an important place in 20th century fine arts in China – a view backed by big names in the field, including Shao Dazhen and Xue Yongnian.

The concept of Nantong Phenomenon in Chinese Fine Arts was proposed in 2013, with systematic research on the topic starting in 2014.

It aims to analyze the fine arts in Nantong from an academic perspective, exploring the value and significance of the city's works and promoting the development of fine arts.