The opening ceremony of an exhibition celebrating the 100th birthday of artist Wu Guanzhong is held in Wu's hometown of Yixing in eastern Jiangsu province on Sept 21. [Photo/IC]

An exhibition celebrating the 100th birthday of artist Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010) -- named Nostalgic -- kicked off in Wu's hometown of Yixing in eastern Jiangsu province on Sept 21.

The exhibition, which runs to Oct 26, focuses on his oil and traditional Chinese paintings and presents his unique artistry.

It is the first time that a total examples of 60 Wu's rare art are being exhibited in his hometown?-- Wu donated them to the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.

Visitors appreciate Wu Guanzhong's painting in Yixing Art Museum. [Photo/IC]

Master painter Wu Guanzhong is known for integrating the techniques of Western art with the aesthetic and philosophy of Chinese culture.

Wu created a distinguished, dynamic and poetic style that helped shape the art landscape of 20th-century China.

He is also remembered for his generosity. He made several donations of his work to public museums at home and abroad.

Wu Weishan, curator of the National Art Museum of China, wrote an inscription for the exhibition?-- Xiang Qing, which means nostalgic. He said Wu Guanzhong had said many times over the years that he was homesick.

During the opening ceremony, the Wu Guanzhong Art Research Information Center was also launched.

The center will become a high-end art research platform that utilizes big data.

Yixing purple clay master Gu Shaopei (right) admires Wu's works. [Photo/IC]