Xin taught at Tsinghua University's art and design academy for a decade up until his death and is widely recognized for his sympathetic portrayal of China's rural migrant workers.

His approach to profiling these people gave full expression to his own character, which was simple, unpretentious and dignified, says Zeng Chenggang, the deputy director of Tsinghua University's art and design academy who had known Xin for more than 10 years.

"Xin felt just like a massive, solid rock to me, with a distinctively straightforward appearance," says Zeng, a sculptor in his own right.

"The portraits he created render a vivid, sculptural note: the composition is powerful, and the structure of the figures is compact and full."

Xin's empathy for those who struggle at the bottom of society is naturally conveyed under his strokes. He didn't need to imagine their feelings because he was one of them, Zeng adds.