Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com PEOPLE may be familiar with master Guan Shanyue’s (1912-2000) grand landscapes and elegant flower paintings. Now, a new exhibition offers the opportunity to appreciate some of his war-themed works, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. According to Chen Junyu, director of the Guan Shanyue Art Museum, in the late 1930s, Guan embarked on a creative journey to express national salvation through war-themed paintings characterized by passionate brushstrokes. “The wind, snow, mountains, rivers, and refugees depicted in his wartime works are not only scars borne by the nation but also reflect how deeply Chinese artists are connected to the fate of their country,” Chen said. The exhibition, titled “Forge the Soul Amidst Flames of War — Chinese National Spirit in Guan Shanyue’s Art,” showcases Guan’s artistic portrayal ranging from the hardships endured by the Chinese people to the renewed landscapes of New China. Some paintings illustrate the ruins left by Japanese air raids on cities and fishing boats, as well as the tragic displacement of refugees fleeing their homes. These works condemn Japanese atrocities and reveal the suffering experienced by the Chinese people. At the exhibition, paintings created during the war are displayed alongside postwar works, offering a striking contrast between the pain and hardship of war and the harmonious, beautiful life in New China after peace was restored. During wartime, Guan’s brush became a solemn voice calling for national salvation; during peacetime, it flowed as a heartfelt tribute to the lives of the people. The exhibition also summarizes Guan’s 34 exhibitions held in Macao, Hong Kong, Chongqing, and Dunhuang between 1939 and 2025. At the exhibition opening ceremony July 11, Guan Shanyue’s daughter, Guan Yi, expressed that exhibiting these paintings — imbued with her father’s emotions and national spirit — in the vibrant city of Shenzhen holds profound significance. Dates: Through June 10, 2026 Admission: Free, no reservation is required Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Futian District (關山月美術館) Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit F2 | 