A remarkable exhibition of contemporary Chinese art has opened in Moscow. The show, called ‘China, Forward!’, is being staged at TSUM, a luxury department store in the capital.

Some of the images and sculptures might seem shocking. But viewed altogether, they provide an insight into the clash of cultures currently playing out in the communist state.

The exhibition gives Muscovites a unique opportunity to see the works of renowned Chinese artists, including Zhang Huan, Ma Liuming and Zhong Biao.

The exhibition represents a mix of styles, from the secular tradition to new trends like pop art and kitsch.

The mix on show aims to give a broad overview of the problems facing Chinese society: the clash of old and new, liberalisation and conservatism.

Art critic Pia Copper told RT that most of the artists on display are in their 20s and 30s and represent a second generation of Chinese painters. Homegrown art is becoming increasingly fashionable in China, prompting Copper to say the country’s art market is worth millions today.

A work by renowned Chinese artist Zhang Xiaogang, called “Bloodline, mother and son”, sold at Christies Hong Kong for $US 2,270,131, and a picture by Yue Minjun fetched $US 6,941,948.

China and Russia are neighbours and cooperate on a whole range of issues.  Last year was the Year of China in Russia.