Some of the oil paintings that feature in the art exhibition now on display in Chaishan Island, Zhoushan. [Photo/The official news website of Zhoushan]

An art exhibition themed on "Growing On" opened on Chaishan Island in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on March 20, showing the life stories of 63 elderly residents. It aims to bridge the gap between elderly inhabitants of the island and society, adding a new dimension to the stories culled from their lives through art.

As younger generations move away from small islands and migrate to bigger cities with more job opportunities, ensuring that elderly residents stay connected with the happenings in mainstream society has become a key focus of those responsible for Zhoushan's islands development.

In recent years, Zhoushan has made strides in terms of improving the infrastructure and public services on its islands, while also prioritizing the well-being of the elderly residents who live there.

This exhibition brings together over 80 oil paintings based on the personal stories of elderly residents. The artworks, displayed on residential courtyards throughout the Chaishan Island, combine to create an open-air gallery. This gallery has now become a part of the island's landscape.

The exhibition was organized by a group of young people who initiated the X Senior Companions project. They spent time with the elderly residents, listening to their stories, and transforming these tales into vivid paintings.

The exhibition allows visitors to interact directly with the elderly people there, turning the entire island into a living, immersive cultural space. The paintings will remain on Chaishan Island, continuing to inspire both residents and tourists.