An exhibition of the work of Chinese painter He Jiaying has been inaugurated at the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona. It is the painter's first exhibition in Europe containing 70 works from a career which has spanned 30 years. At a press conference on Thursday, the painter said he felt "very honored" to display his work in Spain which has a long history in art and painting. He highlighted the similarities between thematic western painting and that of China. "In essence the two styles have similarities," said He. "The differences rest in the methods and appearances." In his work, He appeals for the recovery of traditional Chinese painting, while giving it a personal style and not renouncing certain elements of western painting. His exhibition in MEAM in Barcelona will remain open until Dec. 29.