BEIJING — Vice-Premier Liu Yandong on May 2 called on literary and art workers in China to seek inspiration from grassroots and create art works reflecting the trend of the times.

Addressing a symposium to mark the 120th birth anniversary of traditional Chinese painter Pan Tianshou, Liu honored Pan’s life for his great contribution to the country’s art development.

Pan, who died in 1971. was also an eminent art educator, theorist and poet, and is well known for his flowers, birds and landscapes in freehand brushwork.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on literary and art workers to learn from Pan’s devotion to art education and the spirit of creativity.

Officials from the Ministry of Culture, the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Zhejiang province, as well as Pan’s relatives attended the symposium.

An exhibition of more than 120 works by Pan is on display at the National Art Museum of China.