Artists should be more socially conscious and concerned with people, said an overseas Chinese painter.

"As art is derived from life, we should show more concern for people," said Lin Xiangxiong, a Singaporean painter born in China.

Lin made the remarks in a speech at Peking University after his exhibition of 99 paintings was unveiled at the National Art Museum of China on Sept 9 in Beijing.

Born in 1945 in Chao'an, Guangdong province, Lin left for Malaysia in 1956 to stay with his father and attend school.

After traveling through Southeast Asia as a teenager, he studied painting in Singapore in the 1960s and then moved to France to continue the pursuit of his dream for another three years.

Engaged in the world of art for 50 years, Lin created his own style by combining Chinese and Western elements and is hailed as a representative figure of the nanyang painting style practiced by migrant Chinese painters in Singapore.

Lin's works combine the freehand brushwork used in traditional Chinese paintings with the bold colors of Western impressionism.

And critics say his art is full of the kind of compassion that is typical of Chinese literati.

In his speech, Lin urged artists to meet their social responsibilities.

"Like scientists and writers, artists with conscience work for the people. They should always side with the people and express their thoughts in their works."

People will remember artists with conscience and their works but soon forget those who solely chase fame, Lin warned. He also talked about the historical value of art."A painting should not only be eye-pleasing. More important are the connotation - why the painter paints in this way and what the painting reflects.

"If a painting reflects an understanding of society and depicts the civilization of his age, it is necessarily part of history and has rich historical value."

In addition, Lin touched on the topic of art's economic value.

"Art and culture both can generate economic value. For example, the high value of Italian or French brands is basically from cultural and artistic creations."

When the exhibition closed on Sept 18, the National Art Museum of China decided to add two of Lin's paintings to its collection.

Fan Di'an, curator of the museum, spoke highly of Lin and his art.

"I am excited to see his work because he has kept the passion to paint for so many years. He is a master who devotes his life to art."

"As an artist, Lin has an outstanding feature. That is his compassion for nature, society and people. I think that he has the so-called universal love for the world."

Following the exhibition in Beijing, Lin will showcase his works in Xi'an in Shaanxi, Zhengzhou in Henan and Shanghai this year. Following the domestic legs of the tour, the exhibition will be held in Europe next year, and the focus for 2015 will be the United States, Africa and Oceania.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

Talking about responsibilities to art and society. Photos Provided to China Daily

Lin gave a speech to students at Peking University after his exhibition was unveiled at the National Art Museum of China.

Fan Di'an, curator of the National Art Museum of China, conferred the certificate of collection to Lin.

(China Daily 09/29/2013 page8)