Legendary Chinese elements, such as "equinox flowers", can be found in this work by Shi Beiming.[Photo by He Keyao/chinadaily.com.cn]

"It was like a 'rebirth'. I experienced a totally different dimension of art," Shi said. "In New York, the understanding of art is so broad that beauty is just a very small element. Their creativity is astonishing".

The cultural difference makes Shi explore further possibilities. His work is full of Chinese cultural codes and elements, yet highly creative in the form of expression and use of color. As a migrant artist, his paintings also express his deep love of his country and his feelings towards changes of life.