Li Xiaoke's new exhibition, which opened Sunday at the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, brings visitors a surprise by featuring prints based on his photographic works.[China.org.cn]

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Li Xiaoke is renowned in art circles for his achievements in Chinese painting and photography. His new exhibition, which opened Sunday at the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, brings visitors a surprise by featuring prints based on his photographic works.

The exhibit, titled "Steps in Tibet -- Print Paintings from Li Xiaoke" is a collection of about a hundred paintings, based on thousands of photos Li took in remote regions of Tibet during the last 30 years. Since the 1980s, Li has traveled to Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu more than 20 times to sketch, paint, take photos and experience the life and culture there. He has traveled to some of the most remote territory in the region, including Ali, Mt. Everest, Nagqu, Maqu, and Xiahe.

"Tibet is a mysterious land of souls. I have tried to get closer to it, however, it still seems always far away. The process of pursuing is creation in itself," Li said.

Many Chinese artists continue to visit Tibet today for creative stimulus. Major figures in the Chinese art world, including Wu Zuoren and Dong Xiwen, found inspiration in their travels to Tibet.

Wu Hongliang, president of the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, said Li's extensive travels to the region enabled him to deeply embrace the land and its people.

"He has experienced the subtle relationship between human and nature. He even kneeled down on the ground like elderly Tibetans do," Wu said.

Li is the son of renowned contemporary Chinese artist Li Keran (1907–1989).

The exhibition is sponsored by the Beijing Artists Association, Beijing Fine Art Academy and Li Keran Art Foundation and will last until Nov. 21.