Mao Zedong, one of the most outstanding leaders of the 20th century, was an immensely complex figure, a realist and a romanticist. His unmistakable ambition and elusive tender feelings are best revealed in the many poems that he penned over the course of an extremely eventful life. December 26 will mark the 110th anniversary of his birth. And with that date fast approaching, a painting and calligraphy exhibition featuring the life and works of the late Chinese leader is being held in Shanghai to pay tribute to this great man.

Their brushes dripping with admiration, the artists have blended the colorful directness of painting with the rich ambiguity of Mao Zedong's poems. While the vigorous strokes of renowned calligrapher Gao Shixiong speak volumes for Mao's courage, more than 100 works by young painter Yang Hongfu catch some candid yet moving moments in his daily life. And the sheer amount of works inspired by Mao gives us an idea of the continuing strength of his mystique. Also the showcased in the exhibition are rare collections from the late Chinese leader's former residence in Shanghai.

(CCTV.com November 21, 2003)