The exhibition entitled Everlasting Campus at Peking University last month shows different aspects of its campus life. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The painting Silent Nostalgia in which the female student looks up at Cai is painted in subtle tones of warm violet to reflect the collective respect and nostalgia for the apostle of the Peking University spirit of intellectual freedom and inclusion, Wang said.

The painting Budding Dream in which five mothers of primary and high school students take photos of the university's buildings and campus is dominated with bold hues of red to represent the passion and excitement of the mothers who admire Peking University and hope their children will become its students one day.

Wang's painting depicting 17 overseas students gathering by Weiming Lake was collected by the university at the opening ceremony of its 15th International Culture Festival. Lin Jianhua, the then president, issued the certificate of collection to him in person.