COLOURFUL, calm and composed are some of the words that can be used to describe an oil painting exhibition entitled "Quality of Eternity" at Art House Gallery, on till Oct 17.

The exhibition marks the second solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur for the artist Wang Jian. Born in 1960 in Harbin, China, he graduated from the Stage Art Department of the Central Drama Academy in Beijing with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in stage art design. He is currently a Beijing-based professional artist.

Like a master composer, he successfully harmonises contrasting opposites in his paintings, skilfully retaining the fickle nature of light to create qualities of serenity, eternal beauty and poetic mystery.

The main subject in his paintings are Chinese girls. Instead of painting them in expensive clothings and surroundings that are typical of the noble class Chinese families, his works reflect purity and refinement.

This can evoke an emotional attachment and spiritual sustenance.

His paintings also portray a kind of Chinese neo-classicism in an euphemistic manner.

To enhance this effect, he cleverly chooses common Chinese objects such as the bamboo flute, bronze utensils, draperies, paper cuttings and mural paintings to instill a dream-like atmosphere.

All these are secondary to highlighting the innocence and purity of a simple girl. The contrast of youthful character against age-old buildings, for example, makes an observer contemplate the painting closely.

From his painting, it is also evident that Wang Jian is adept at painting lights and their refractions.

To date, his works have been exhibited in group shows in Hong Kong and China. Auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s have also sold the paintings, as a testament to their excellent quality.

Art House Gallery is on the second floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. Viewing hours: 10am-7pm (Monday-Saturday). Call 03-2148-2283.