A painting delights visitors to the contemporary art exhibition in Nantong on Dec 15. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

An exhibition featuring works by contemporary young and middle-aged artists in Nantong kicked off at the city's China Charity Museum on Dec 15.

The exhibition, which will run to Dec 24, presents 80 works including traditional Chinese paintings, watercolors, oil paintings and other artworks.

Yu Liang, curator and researcher at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, said the works display creativity both in themes and techniques. The 20 artists, with sharp insights into society and possessing superb artistic skills, have visualized their inspirations drawn from common scenes in daily life.

Nantong has done well in preserving and passing down its artistic heritage. It has bred many great artists such as Zao Wou-Ki, said artist Qin Ai. Three of her works, replete with tenderness and sensitivity, are on display in the exhibition. 

An academic seminar centered on Nantong's artistic culture was also held on the sidelines of the exhibition.