Stylish vintage cars, bright flowers, vast grasslands, shimmering lakes, towering mountains, stretching rainbows and hot air balloons have a deep connection in artist Zhang Chi's new series of works, Dream, which is on display in an exhibition that runs through Dec 16.

It is the first exhibition marking the opening of the Town Art Space in the commercial complex of Outlets Town in Beijing's Chaoyang district.

Zhang's lifelike depictions and bold yet delicate use of color give visitors a peek into the vibrant tapestry of the artist's inner world.

"They were inspired by my dreams — bad, good and surreal," says Zhang, who was born in the 1980s.

An active international fashion designer, Zhang's works have been favored by many celebrities and are a highlight at red-carpet events at home and abroad.

His experiences in fashion and popular culture have given form to his distinctive painting language, particularly evident in his representative series, Golden Age, which consists of 50 works that took him about a decade to complete.

"In this explosive age of information, art should also undergo rapid updates. Life is short but I have many ideas, which can be better expressed through new technology," Zhang explains.