Ai Xuan, Yang Feiyun and Wang Yidong, three painters known for their distinctive figurative approach, initiated the founding of the Figurative Painting School in Beijing in 2004, when the group of 13 members' first exhibition was held.

Since then, the movement has accepted more members and held annual exhibitions.

This year's exhibition, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is held at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing and displays more than 220 works from 41 painters.

Yang says the exhibition shows that the figurative method is irreplaceable in depicting the material world and expressing people's emotions and spirituality.

The exhibition runs until Jan 5.