The life and work of the iconic artist in Chinese contemporary art history Authored by the distinguished critic and art historian Lü Peng, Emergence of the Patriarch is a fascinating biography and in-depth exploration of the life and artistic journey of Mao Xuhui, a pivotal figure in Chinese contemporary art. The book traces the artist's ideological and creative evolution, reconstructed through personal documents and materials, including diaries, letters, paintings, reading notes, and transcripts. The result is a profound and authentic portrayal, narrating the true history and the illustrious years of a remarkable generation in China. Emergence of the Patriarch stands as a testament to Lü Peng's commitment to preserving and illuminating the diverse narratives within contemporary Chinese art, marking another significant work following Bloodlines: The Zhang Xiaogang Story.