Abstraction is a means that gives us insight into the essence of things. It is not an end in itself, says abstract painter Cai Ju.A solo exhibition of his colorful canvases is underway this weekend at the Liu Haisu Art Museum on May 16-18, 10am-4pm.Born in 1941 into an artistic family in Shanghai, Cai learned from his father, Cai Shangguo, a famous scholar and painter. He started traditional ink-wash painting at an early age.In 1992, Cai traveled in Malaysia, Indonesia and other tropical countries where he took in a world of astonishingly bright colors that are reflected in his art."My abstract paintings originate in real life," Cai says, citing primitive forests, flowers and spreading morning mists.He employs Chinese artistic language and interprets Oriental culture.Unlike some abstract painters who rigidly adhere to the "rules" of abstraction, Cai produces intriguing experimental and investigative works. For example, in his "Impression of Monet," he captures the morning light reflected on ponds of floating lotus. The effect is similar in terms of color perception to some works of Monet.In his "Impression of Picasso," Picasso-like cubist images cover the canvas, creating an unusual impression.Cai's art expression not only demonstrates the investigative process and experimental mode of the painter, but also reflects his attitude towards the "abstract" - it's only a means, not an end.