"The free soul wandering in Paris.

The elegant legs mark the masterpiece.

Homeless and nostalgic.

On the lonely branches

there grow Chang Yu's flowers."

In July 6th, Jay Chou released his latest album "Greatest Works of Art". The song "Greatest Works of Art"became a hot topic on the internet.

Who is Chang Yu in the lyrics?

Chang Yu, or Chang Tingguo (1900~1966), the well-known Chinese contemporary artist born in Shunqing district of Nanchong, Sichuan Province. His paintings are featured with plump naked ladies, slender potted flowers, small animals, and flowery sceneries. His representative works are "Blue Pot and Chrysanthemum", "Five Naked Ladies", "Naked Lady Bending Her Legs", etc.

The Chinese aristocratic offspring Wandering in Paris

Chang Yu has been known for his aristocratic family, his vagabondage in Paris, his pure and noble personality.

Chang Yu studied in a private school of fine arts in Shanghai with his family's support. In 1920, he went to France where he founded "Heaven Hound Club"together with Xu Beihong, Zhang Daofan and other Chinese students in France. Later, he studied oil painting in National School of Fine Arts in Paris where he distinguished himself in the artistic world of Paris and China. He had also been the protagonist in Xu Zhimo, Zau Sinmay and other poets'works.

In August 1966, Chang Yu died for carbon monoxide poisoning in his rough dwelling. His death was not realized by people until a week later. Without a penny, a friend or relative, there was nothing but a book on his chest.

The Western-educated Artistic Genius Rooted in Chinese Culture

It may be out of Chang Yu's expectation that his painting will become priceless after his death. In 2016, his "Five Naked Ladies"was auctioned for 303,000,000 HKD, the second most valuable oil painting in Asia, following "06.85-10.85" by Zao Wou-ki.

Chang Yu's works are distinguished for the national characteristics. Despite the influence of western modernism, he never imitated the western style but sticked to Chinese culture and presented the taboos in Chinese tradition with oriental esthetics.

The Persistent Artist

"Homeless and nostalgic. On the lonely branches there grow Chang Yu's flowers."By this line the composer mourns over Chang Yu's miserable life and attempted to encourage the listeners by Chang Yu's persistence to art.

However, the worldly success and recognition are meaningless for Chang Yu. He sticked to artistic independence and spiritual freedom no matter as the aristocratic offspring or the old poor artist. He was not famous or popular when he was alive, but he was always so passionate and sincere.

Now, the art museum in memory of Chang Yu, holding 62 pieces of Chang Yu's works'copies, has been opened in Shunqing district of Nanchong.