The "New Life, New Fashion, New Year Painting" Art Exhibition on Well-off Life (Xi'an Station) is held at the Xi'an Mass Art Center. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Fabu]

The "New Life, New Fashion, New Year Painting" Art Exhibition on Well-off Life (Xi'an Station), hosted by the Xi'an municipal bureau of culture and tourism, is being held at the Xi'an Mass Art Centerin Northwest China's Shaanxi province from Dec 27, 2024, to Feb 8, 2025.

New Year paintings are a unique and beloved traditional Chinese art form. Created through the interplay of carving and woodblock printing, and the blending of ink and paper, these artworks capture the spirit of the Spring Festival.

Curator Xue Bo noted that the exhibition features 80 works, including woodblock New Year paintings, contemporary paintings, farmer paintings, and illustrations. Together, they vividly depict the joyous scenes of contemporary well-off life in China.

Students admire the vibrant New Year paintings displayed in the exhibition hall. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Fabu]

The exhibition covers a variety of themes, from serene rural landscapes and lively depictions of flora and fauna to bustling temple fairs and the evolving urban-rural dynamic. These works celebrate the spirit of the times, reflecting themes such as ecological conservation, rural vitalization, and Shaanxi's vibrant cultural heritage, while blending "New China Chic" and "New Life".

Xue also emphasized the innovative approach of combining modern design with traditional techniques, bringing fresh vitality to intangible cultural heritage. Notable works include "Zhizao", which incorporates elements of a renowned Tang Dynasty (618-907) painting with modern composition; "Fuping's Persimmons"celebrates the joy of harvest; and "Welcoming the Year of the Snake: Five Blessings Arriving at the Door" creatively integrates traditional and colorful paper-cutting techniques to captivate audiences.

"Fuping's Persimmons" by Liu Yiqing. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Fabu]

Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness seven intangible cultural heritage practitioners demonstrating traditional crafts on-site. This immersive experience invites attendees to explore the rich charm of Chinese culture, fostering a sense of pride and unity while ushering in the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year.