Artist celebrates Shouguang's agricultural heritage

Shouguang, in Shandong province, is hailed as the "hometown of vegetables". One of the country's major agricultural hubs, the city produces an abundance of leafy greens, eggplants, peppers and other vegetables that are transported nationwide to supply kitchens across the country.

Xiao Jibo, a member of the China National Academy of Painting whose family hails from Shouguang, has long been captivated by the city's agricultural vitality — from the vibrant colors of its fields to the industrious spirit of the local people.

He pays tribute to his ancestral land through Cai Yun Tian Lai (Colorful Rhymes, Heavenly Sounds), a solo exhibition of his oil paintings now on view at Shouguang Art Museum. His layered application of color brings out the interplay of light and shadow, while his style blends realism with expressive elements.