'Twelve Men Painting Exhibition' was the inherently political prelude to independently organised, artist-initiated exhibitions and activities after the Cultural Revolution. It also marked the return to individualism in 80s China. The exhibition was curated by its twelve 'non-professional' artists. Showcasing fifteen paintings each, most of the works were watercolour paintings. Having no official or authoritative affiliation, the organising of the exhibtition posed many difficulties which the artists had to solve by themselves, such as finding an exhibition space, funding and publicity.