Step into a colorful storybook wonderland

Picture books accompany most children’s growth with rich illustrations, vivid storytelling, and a heartwarming tone. This summer, Shenzhen residents have the opportunity to admire unique illustrations that beautifully blend traditional Chinese folk style with a contemporary twist.

Cai Gao speaks at the opening ceremony of her exhibition at He Xiangning Art Museum on June 21. Photos courtesy of the organizers unless otherwise stated

Cai Gao, a distinguished Chinese painter and illustrator, is exhibiting her works at the “Embracing Innocence — The Art of Cai Gao” exhibition at He Xiangning Art Museum. The exhibition features illustrations from four of her picture books — “Bao’er” (formerly known as “The Boy Who Outfoxed a Fox”), “The Double Sixth Festival,” “Blazing City 1938,” and “Hua Mulan” — along with her paintings.

“Bao’er”

“Blazing City 1938”

“The Double Sixth Festival”

“Bao’er,” which won the Golden Apple Award at the 14th Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava, is adapted from a fox spirit story in Pu Songling’s “Strange Tales From a Chinese Studio” in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Cai employs black backgrounds accented with red and green tones, merging traditional Chinese folk aesthetics with a modern visual language.

Illustrations in “The Double Sixth Festival” draw inspiration from traditional Chinese New Year paintings and clay sculptures, while “Blazing City 1938” utilizes black-and-white sketch styles to depict Cai’s hometown Changsha during wartime in 1938.

Visitors admire Cai Gao’s illustrations from her picture book “Hua Mulan” at He Xiangning Art Museum. Photo by Cao Zhen

Most of Cai’s illustrations are rooted in Chinese folk tales, characterized by vivid brushstrokes and bold hues, brimming with childlike joy. These works carry profound cultural significance and convey a unique Eastern appeal through simple yet evocative storytelling.

International art critics have noted that among Chinese picture book artists, Cai stands out for her mature fusion of rich Chinese folk art with Western painting elements. Her work transcends superficial reinterpretation; it honors tradition by both inheriting and transforming it. This approach is not merely a style — it is the expression of a living tradition.

Visitors admire Cai Gao’s paintings at the exhibition. Photo by Cao Zhen

Visitors admire Cai Gao’s illustrations or watch a video at the exhibition. Photo by Cao Zhen

Regarding her warm and loving childhood as a source of strength in her life, Cai said, “Everything in life is connected to childhood. Art education helps children build self-confidence, pursue self-improvement, and turn challenges into motivation.”

The exhibition also displays Cai’s picture books for visitors to read, with walls and corners decorated with her illustrations, creating an immersive environment that inspires both adults and children. The exhibit encourages visitors to ignite a passion for life through the beauty of art and literature.

Visitors read picture books illustrated by Cai Gao at the exhibition. Photo by Cao Zhen

Picture books illustrated by Cai Gao are on display at the exhibition.

At the exhibition opening, Cai shared, “The exhibition curation makes me feel as if I am stepping into my own works and becoming part of the stories.”

Cai Xianliang, director of He Xiangning Art Museum, remarked that “Cai Gao uses colorful strokes to craft dreams, conveying the pure essence of loving life, respecting all things, and cherishing childhood. We hope visitors will embrace their curiosity to explore and perceive the world with an open and gentle heart.”

Dates: Through July 27

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

Tickets: Free, no reservations necessary

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C

More exhibitions at He Xiangning Art Museum: 

Exhibitions showcase Lingnan masters’ paintings 何香凝、陈树人艺术作品展