Xu Fengying, a 79-year-old resident of rural Shanghai, has emerged as an unexpected figure in the contemporary Chinese art scene after beginning to paint just over a decade ago. Once a farmer in the town of Zhujiajiao in Qingpu district, Xu's recent work in oil painting chronicles the everyday life and evolving landscapes of China's countryside, earning recognition during a recent exhibition in Beijing.
In late May, more than 150 of Xu’s oil paintings were displayed at a gallery in the capital, attracting attention from artists, scholars, and visitors. Her art documents the cycles of village life through vivid depictions of seasonal activities—spring planting, summer blooms, autumn harvests, and the stark quiet of winter—as well as the warmth of rural communities adapting to modernization. Despite the bright tones and nostalgic subjects, Xu’s paintings subtly reflect the hardships she has endured throughout her life.
Born in 1947 into a poor family, Xu lost her father at a young age and spent much of her childhood moving between locations before settling back in her hometown at age 13. She began contributing to her family’s income early, rowing boats from the age of seven. Life gradually improved in the 1990s as her children completed their education and supported the family, allowing her to live more comfortably by 2009.
The catalyst for Xu’s painting career came in 2016 when she underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. After returning prematurely to farm work, she faced complications that required additional surgery. Concerned about her recovery, her family encouraged her to adopt a less strenuous hobby, suggesting painting. She picked up oil painting that December, creating her first piece—a portrayal of trees near her home slated for removal.
Self-taught through experimentation and occasional guidance from professional artists, Xu found oil painting a forgiving medium, allowing corrections by scraping and repainting. She describes mastering color mixing as her greatest challenge, noting the expense of materials and the time needed to achieve desired shades.
Xu’s work has gained acclaim despite her lack of formal training. During the recent Beijing exhibition, several professional artists sought her advice, and a university professor acquired multiple paintings. Xu, who initially approached painting with hesitation, now views it as a fulfilling pursuit and a means of preserving memories of her surroundings.
Among her evolving projects, Xu aims to complete a series of 100 paintings of old bridges, having finished a dozen so far. She expresses hope to travel more to expand her subjects beyond Shanghai, including trees and other scenes close to her heart.
Her daughter, Chen Junfang, who lives with Xu in their village, highlights the broader impact of Xu’s creativity. Chen recalls an elderly mathematician suffering from cancer who felt comforted by Xu’s calm demeanor during a visit. Chen and her husband hope to support Xu’s artistic journey, facilitating future travel and exhibitions to share her inspiring story and work.
Xu’s progression from farmer to painter underscores the possibility of reinvention at any stage of life, a message that resonates well beyond her rural community.