Graffiti with Chinese characteristics

Graffiti artist Chen Yingjie wears a gas mask at work. Photo provided to China Daily

His second artwork was created in 2011. It was painted on the walls of the dormitory in Singapore. The young artist created a peony - a typical image in wash-and-ink painting. Chen made its branches and leaves twisted in a very soft way, giving it a special Chinese touch.

"It is not a piece of supersized Chinese ink-and-wash paintings on the wall. When I create, I use the best skills from graffiti - freestyle," Chen explains.

By freestyle, Chen is referring to the way he paints. He never has a prepared image in his mind before creating. He just paints what he feels at that moment.

After publishing his work online, Chen quickly attracted a large number of fans. Known as "Hua Tu Nan", which literally translates to "Painting Man", he quickly gained a reputation. Fashion brands, real estate companies, and galleries began to seek him out, asking about collaborations.

Now, the graduate has opened a studio in Foshan. His main business includes performing graffiti at special events, and creating special paintings for clients.

When asked how much he earns for a project, Chen grins, saying it is a business secret - he is so business savvy that it is hard to believe he is only 21.

He is, indeed, promising. He is currently in talks with a Brazilian gallery that wants to collect one of his paintings. They want to project the painting on a giant wall during the coming Brazil World Cup.

"The painting is a wash-and-ink eagle, very Chinese. I am very obsessed with the image of an eagle. It is strong, and always soars to the sky," he says.