Embrace of shepherds highlights Chen Danqing's deft touch and passionate approach in the Tibetans series now on show in Beijing, Lin Qi reports.

The January edition of Fine Arts magazine in 1981 published two new works which attracted nationwide recognition for two young artists. One was Father, a large oil painting by Luo Zhongli which depicts a Chinese farmer; the other is the Tibetans series, seven oil paintings made by Chen Danqing. On reflection, that edition was a landmark moment.

The works by the two talented artists saw them adopt a realistic approach to vividly reflect the rich emotions and mentality of those at the grassroots. Both conveyed a strong humanistic touch.

The Tibetans series were based on Chen's second journey to the Tibet autonomous region in 1980, four years after his first trip there.

Chen was then pursuing a master's degree at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. He returned to Tibet to seek inspiration for his graduation work.

Four decades have passed. The seven Tibetans paintings are in separate collections. Many in the younger generation, however, have heard little about this landmark series of 20th-century Chinese art.