Artist Guo Yicong recalls that back in the 1970s, some said his ink paintings "looked like a piece of richly patterned printed fabric", as his works, utilizing carefree, loose strokes, are of highly saturated colors and often depict floral scenes.

Time has proved Guo's efforts to modernize the flower-and-bird style of classic Chinese painting were of great significance. He has achieved balance and harmony between the scholarly elegance of ink tradition and popular taste.

Flower Fragrance, Guo's ongoing exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, shows his recent works, of smaller sizes and big dimensions stretching several meters in length, until June 3.

The title celebrates his long-term dedication to the flower motifs, while integrating with the mountain-and-water style of Chinese painting. It is also a metaphor of continuous efforts of Guo, at age 85, to revive the charm of ink art by delving into his cultural roots.