Zhang in his 80s. [Photo provided to China Daily]

So, he stopped painting and practiced calligraphy.

Remembering him, Feng Yuan, director of Tsinghua University Art Museum, says: "He once said, 'There has never been a crisis for Chinese painting but one for Chinese painters'."

"He meant the crisis would emerge either when one explored no more or when he was removed from the commons and life."

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

9 am-5 pm, closed on Monday, through Nov 10. Tsinghua University, Haidian district. 010-6278-1012.