When Beijing-born artist Shao Fan, 54, held his first solo exhibition in 1996, another art show opened which introduced modern Western art to Chinese audiences. The National Art Museum of China showed a collection of artwork from Peter and Irene Ludwig, including pieces by Pablo Picasso of Spain and Gerhard Richter of Germany.

Shao remembers how the Ludwig exhibition widened people's understanding of art.

On June 10, Shao's first retrospective show in Europe will open at the Ludwig Museum of Koblenz, one of five facilities in Germany founded by the couple.

The exhibition, titled You and running through July 22, will review Shao's career working in traditional rice xuan paper and canvas, as well as installations and furniture design.

In his eclectic body of work, Shao invites viewers to reflect on an individual's relationship with others, their surroundings and the world.