A newly published collection features major works by late graphic designer Zhang Guangyu. They include such widely recognized cartoon images as the Monkey King.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Artist Huang Miaozi (1913-2012), quoting Zhang's work as "a symbol of Chinese modern art", donated the 1 million yuan ($144,000) he received for his China Arts Award at the end of 2011, just 21 days before his death, to act as fund for the re-publication of Zhang's work.

To comply with Huang's wish, his son Huang Dagang and son-in-law Tang Wei, a professor at the Academy of Arts and Design of Beijing's Tsinghua University, have looked into Zhang's work and life for years and led the editing of the collection, which was released in February.

"What Zhang created were often things we held in our hearts, but never flowed from our pens," Huang Dagang said during an online discussion held in June, adding that Zhang was good at applying different styles into different works.

Contact the writer at fangaiqing@chinadaily.com.cn