But many big names are missing, such as Fang Lijun, Yue Minjun and Zeng Fanzhi and their red-hot contemporary art pieces.

"It is impossible for a single show to give the most inclusive chronology of fine arts in New China," explains Liang Jiang, a key member at the committee and renowned art critic from Beijing.

"And the academic committee for the organization of the exhibition has spent months deciding upon the selection of each and every specific title for the exhibition.

"They have agreed that only time-tested works and generally acclaimed works by middle aged and young artists ought to be put on show."

His supporting examples include early works by world-renowned contemporary Chinese artists Zhang Xiaogang, Xu Bing and Liu Xiaodong.

Museum dean Fan Di'an says the organizing committee tried hard to strike a balance in choosing typical works from the widest range of genres, and styles, schools other than the predominant Socialist Realism works, including pieces once viewed "very unconventional or explosively controversial".

"Chinese art has undergone a twisty, tumultuous and sometimes painful path over the past 60 years," says Chen Lusheng, author of An Illustrated History of Fine Arts in New China.

"From behind these selected exhibits, many of which may become timeless classics, one can read the heart-wrenching setbacks the Chinese art community has suffered amid the nation's drastic political and social changes, and the great strides the Chinese art world has made," he says.

"Also there are numerous lessons people now and later must learn to ensure a more prosperous and diversified Chinese art scene."

A 760-page, super-size catalog entitled 60 Years of Fine Arts in New China has been published and distributed by People's Publishing House of Fine Arts at Xinhua Bookstores nationwide, to go with the historic art exhibition.

The exhibition runs through Sept 14 in Beijing.

By Zhu Linyong

Editor: Feng Hui