Abstract. [Photo/Courtesy of the artist and Platform China Contemporary Art Institute]

In the early 1970s, Beijing artist Ma Kelu frequented the capital city's scenic spots, such as Yuyuantan Park, Zizhuyuan, Xiangshan and Shichahai, where he made dozens of landscape sketches. He found these places to be his spiritual havens, where he explored and perfected techniques to find his characteristic style.

Time, Scenery, Light and Life, Ma's solo exhibition now on at the Platform China Contemporary Art Institute through Aug 30, shows a selection of these colorful sketches made between 1972 and 1984.

One will find in these works a reminiscence of the way impressionists dealt with colors, shade and light. Meanwhile there is the reflection of a poetic, reserved sense of Chinese culture. Visitors will also see the artist's attempt to transform from a figurative to abstract style.