Striking oils

A CAMP portrait of Mao Zedong in bright colours and a canvas full of pinkish twisted nudes are among hundreds of art nouvelle works which have yet to find their way on to art gallery walls in China. But Chinese contemporary art, notably ''avant-garde'' oils, is already a sensation on the local art scene and these works are now gaining an international audience.

The movement is a far cry from traditional Chinese water and ink paintings in idea, style and technique and the oil paintings by modern mainland artists have caused a stir among the territory's art collectors and critics.

Another group of Chinese contemporary painters has already proved successful overseas with their realist paintings fetching prices as high as internationally recognised artists at auctions.

So, will the 90s herald a new era of recognition for Chinese modern art? Yes, says Chang Tsong-zung, 42, the main driving force and promoter of Chinese contemporary art regionally and internationally.

The local art curator, dealer and critic has been busy wrapping and packing a collection of modern paintings in his Hanart T Z Gallery warehouse this week to send to an exhibition at Marlborough Fine Arts Gallery in London.

''This will be a significant exhibition because, for the first time, some sort of standard and value will be given to these paintings,'' said Mr Chang.