"Inspired by this, I created this series where the blue background indicates sadness and pain. Combined with the flower images, these photos can also been seen as a symbol of rebirth and hope."

Similar themes are also seen in the sculpture series Life Museum－Flowers by Xu Xinhua, who mixed roses, lilies and other flowers with porcelain clay before placing the mix into a kiln.

The resulting clay was then shaped like flowers and the plant ash was turned into a glaze. The artist's work is meant to symbolize the duality of life and death.

Other artworks on show include Untitled by Taiwan artist Michael Lin.

The artist is attempting to convey the message that art should not just be viewed but experienced and even felt through his installation, which features pillows and wall paintings with flower themes.

The interactive multimedia installation Moving the Garden by Taiwan artist Lee Mingwei centers on kindness. Here, visitors are encouraged to pick a flower and give it to a stranger after leaving the exhibition.

If you go

Through Dec 6, closed on Mondays. Pearl Art Museum, 1588 Wuzhong Road, Minhang district, Shanghai.80 yuan ($12) per person; 150 yuan for two.

Free of charge: medical staff, soldiers, firefighters and people with disabilities.

caochen@chinadaily.com.cn