Artist Shuangning at the abstract exhibition Photo: Courtesy for the exhibition

More than 100 abstract paintings went on display at Xiamen University in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on Saturday to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the university itself. 

The works were created by Chinese painter Shuangning, an artist who has focused on exploring the abstract art movement's development in China. The artist has donated the works to the university to wish the institution all the best over the next 100 years.  

The T abstract exhibition explores the beauty of nature, the meaning of the colors black and white, the universe and modern abstract art in four sections. Most of the exhibited paintings reflect the Chinese artist's unique approach to abstract art, which combines the elements of Chinese ink painting with Western abstract expressionist aesthetics. 

"Compared to realistic paintings, abstract art in general is a modern approach by artists that focuses more on expressing themselves - their emotions, beliefs and their views on the value of life - this complicated thinking is presented in simplistic visual elements like lines and colors. Though it originated in Western art, it is becoming a form for universal artists to express themselves, again, particularly their belief and emotions," Lei, a contemporary art critic in Chongqing, told the Global Times on Monday. 

Shuangning is not only a veteran artist and art educator, but also a committed CPC party member who uses the visual grandness and solemnity in his paintings to deliver his genuine faith in the CPC. Also, as an art educator, he believes that art, history, literature and philosophy are four important elements that allow students to get a more comprehensive view on humanity. In his opinion, higher educational institutions such as Xiamen University should lead the way when it comes to aesthetic education in China. 

Along with the exhibition, the artist also held a forum at the university that focuses on introducing the touching stories and details of the CPC's 100 years of development.  

"A century of diligence has painted a glorious historical scroll depicting Xiamen University. Shuangning specially selected 100 of his own works and donated them to Xiamen University to use beauty as a means to express the blessings of the times," Zhang Rong, the President of Xiamen University, said at the opening of the exhibition. 

The exhibition is scheduled to end on July 25.