On March 22, the “Art Meets Science” oil painting exhibition by renowned physicist and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Professor Yixin Chen, officially opened at the Yichi Shanhai Art Museum in the Dalinghaowan area of Shanghai’s Minhang District. The exhibition is a joint effort between the Oriental Art Exchange Center of SJTU and the Yichi Shanhai Art Museum.
The opening ceremony welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including Professor Zongguang Wang, former Party Secretary of SJTU; Mr. Wumian Zhao, Director of Yichi Shanhai Art Museum; Mr. Zui Li, President of the Shanghai Yan Wenliang Art Promotion Association; Dr. Hengyue Liu from the Ministry of Education’s National Art Education Committee; and Professor Xianyuan Chen, Deputy Director of the Oriental Art Exchange Center of SJTU. Each delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating the opening of the exhibition, followed by a speech from Professor Chen Yixin himself.
The exhibition runs until April 15th and features nearly 100 oil paintings by Professor Chen, covering themes such as politics, science and technology, nature, portraiture, and everyday life. Noteworthy works include On the Long March, a revolution-themed painting, and group portraits of iconic scientists that trace the evolution of scientific thought. His collection spans master copies, original works, and artistic reinterpretations of classics—blending influences from European classicism, 19th century Russian art, and elements of modernism. Together, they showcase Professor Chen's unique artistry, depth of expression, and wide-ranging inspiration.
Born in 1935, Professor Chen graduated from Chiao Tung University in 1956 and began teaching there the same year. In 1979, he became one of China’s first scholars to study abroad following the reform and opening-up policy, furthering his research in the United States. Upon returning to China, he emerged as a leading expert in fiber-optic communications and was received by national leaders including Xiaoping Deng.
Professor Chen’s passion for art began in his youth under the mentorship of famed painter Ding Ha. After retiring from science, Professor Chen returned to painting with renewed focus, creating hundreds of works in both oil and traditional Chinese styles. He has held solo exhibitions in Shanghai, Tianjin, Xi’an, and beyond. His exhibitions have garnered praise and handwritten inscriptions from Nobel laureate Professor Zhengdao Li and former State Education Commission Deputy Director Bin Liu.
The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 guests from both academia and the arts, including Professor Yingming Chen, Honorary Director of the Oriental Art Exchange Center SJTU; Professor Caiying Li, Deputy Director of the Center; other members of the Center and Yichi Shanhai Art Museum; Mr. Weimin Fei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Association of Senior Professors; Ms. Hong Zeng, Deputy Director of the Guizhou Provincial Government Office in Shanghai; Mr. Jingkun Li, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Yan Wenliang Art Promotion Association, and other visitors from various sectors and SJTU.
Author:Chen Xianyuan
Photography:Oriental Art Exchange Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Provided by:Civilization Office
Editor:Sun Jia
