Yan Peiming's works.

Even now, he says he still feels the anxiety and uncertainty of young artist. "This is a motivation to work harder and to go forward. At the same time, I am certain with myself. I know my direction and where I am heading. For an artist, it is as easy to rise to stardom as to be forgotten overnight."

Another thing unchanged is his preference for portraying pain and suffering.

"I have no time for beautiful, happy things," Yan says. "I like films by Hitchcock and Chaplin, something mysterious, tragic. I also read Lu Xun a lot, whose memorable words inspire me to think. I think they are far more exciting and touching. I hope my works can be the same."

Wen Ling, the curator of the exhibition, says Yan messaged her on the morning of the opening day, saying his art road has just started.

"Yan is an artist enjoying a high international visibility, but he was very humble and works hard. I think they are the most important characteristics of a good artist."

Yan maintains a rigid routine, painting every single day from early morning until dark, "just like a laborer".

"Life is too short to waste. Now that people around me are passing away, that feeling is getting stronger and stronger."

Contact the writer at lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn