Two local artists, Zhang Zhong and Qian Jianzhong, are preparing a joint exhibition scheduled for December 27 at Zhang Xinjia Art Gallery of Ligongdi in Suzhou Industrial Park. Zhang started to learn Chinese painting from her father, Zhang Xinjia when she was 33 and is now an established artist specializing in painting flowers and birds. Qian is an officer at SIP Customs and good at Chinese calligraphy. The two are friends and their works are complementary to each other.

A painting by Zhang Zhong

In her 60s, Ms. Zhang now has a work studio and selected 30 works for the joint exhibition. Like Qian, she also has a strong sense of responsibility as an intellectual. Their works show their understanding about the relations between culture and city.

A calligraphic work by Qian Jianzhong

Benefiting from the long history and rich culture of Suzhou, both artists believe that art is aesthetic and can elevate people from ordinary life. "After people get a substantial material life, they'll start to address their spiritual needs," said Qian. "It's the same for a city as well and we want to do our parts to build a cultural city."