Although diplomacy has long been known as a delicate art form, there have not been many diplomats who have displayed their talents in the visual arts. Now one ambassador is looking to change that by showing off diplomacy's artistic side.

Thirty six paintings by Spain's Ambassador to China Manuel Valencia are being displayed for free at Shanghai's Mao Space in hopes that his works can help build bridges between countries.

Valencia created his unique painting style by mixing the media, including rice paper, pencil, cardboard and ropes. He says that through such non-traditional works he wants to create an "imaginary landscape" that is open to individual interpretation.

"The highlight is trying to put together China and the western world. Essentially it's a homage to the traditional Chinese painting, but I did it in a very western way," Valencia said.

The exhibition will run until mid-December. The ambassador says he will have another exhibition in Beijing next March.