The four-decade-long career of Zhang Peili, a leading figure of contemporary art, is celebrated at his solo exhibition at Taikang Art Museum in Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Since the mid-1980s, Zhang Peili has been at the forefront of contemporary art scene. He produces work, teaches at his alma mater, the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and even once managed an art museum.

Zhang's wide-ranging experience defines his working method, and has led to a productive output that includes paintings, videos, sculptures, installations, performance art, and mixed media.

His work and life is a topic of interest for those drawn to his art and to address that need, Beijing's Taikang Art Museum is holding an exhibition, Zhang Peili 2011.4.27-Permanent, which navigates his four-decade career. It runs until Oct 31.

Zhang's work pushes the audience toward the truth of life and humanity, evokes critical responses, and encourages them to reassess their own experiences and fixed ideas.