Zhang Ding and Picasso in Cannes, France, in 1956. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In those works, Zhang blended the simple, raw beauty of folk crafts with a cubic style that Picasso heralded in the early 20th century.

He further perfected the style when he designed the frescoes in Beijing's public places and the characters in several feature-length animations.

In his later years, Zhang took an even simpler approach to painting. He explored the jiaomo style in which painters applied no color but dried ink to depict subjects.

He traveled to northwestern China a lot and created many jiaomo paintings. They are also on show at the Tsinghua exhibition.

After turning 80, Zhang was advised by doctors not to travel for health reasons.