CHEN Yifei, the Chinese painter, entrepreneur and movie director, died of gastrorrhagia in Huashan Hospital on April 10.

Chen, 59 years old, was shooting his fourth movie "The Barber" in Ninghai of Zhejiang Province when he was hospitalized.

Chen first established his fame with a painting entitled "Takeover of the President's Residence", which depicted a scene from China's Liberation War (1946-49), which he co-created with Wei Jingshan in 1976. Chen moved to the US in 1980, with US$38 in his pocket, and soon gained recognition in the art galleries of New York City. He created a series of portraits of women with musical instruments, and later turned to traditional Chinese scenes. One of the paintings, depicting a musical scene in a traditional Chinese setting, was auctioned in Hong Kong for HK$1.37 million in 1991, which marked the highest auction price for contemporary Chinese art works at the time.

Chen moved back to Shanghai in the 1990s, setting up a business empire made up of Layefe (a fashion brand); a model agency; Yefei Home (a boutique in Xintiandi); as well as two magazines - "Vision" and "Shanghai Tatler".

He was among the first to discover the unique beauty of the ancient watertown, Zhouzhuang, in his paintings, winning the town new popularity and arousing the interest of conservationists in this popular scenic spot and cultural relic. One of his pieces depicting Zhouzhuang, "Bridge", was used by the United Nations. Another painting, "Shuangqiao" (The Double Bridges), was given to Deng Xiaoping as a gift by Armand Hammer, chairman of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation of the United States.

Chen called for public support for creative industries as the economy soared. His office compound in Shanghai is known for its pioneering architectural designs. His first movie was a documentary about his own experiences, shot in 1993. In 1995, his movie "A Date at Dusk" was entered at the Cannes Film Festival. "The Barber" was his fourth movie.

Shooting of the movie was announced in 2002, when Chen invited two top Chinese actors in China - Jiang Wen and Ge You - to star in the film. Early in the following year, serious disputes broke out between Chen and Jiang, with the latter leaving the cast. The project was suspended.

Early this year Chen re-started the shooting of "The Barber", devoting himself unreservedly to the project. "People know that I want to create an artwork with this movie," Chen was quoted as saying by local TV stations. "I just wanted to make back the money I have invested, it would make more sense to go back to painting."

Always pursuing the perfect effect, Chen paid attention to the smallest details in his movie projects, from the quality of props to costume designs. He started to suffer from gastroenteritis during journeys in search of scenes for the movie. Later, in crew meetings, he was often seen talking with transfusion tubes stuck in his hand.

Last month, he was sent to hospital with the same illness, but he immediately returned to work upon his release two days later.

It was predicted Chen's elder son, Chen Lin, would continue his father's business. Chen also has another son, five years old, from his second marriage with Song Meiying, a former model.

The movie, with two-thirds of the shooting completed, has not been cancelled.

A mourning ceremony is planned for April 20 at Chen's home in Shanghai.

Words of Chen Yifei

o I have the eyes of a painter. I use my perception and understanding in art for what I am doing at that moment.

o I have my principles. First I do what I like. Second, I do it for as long as conditions allow me to do it. Third, it should benefit people around me. I think carefully over things, but once I make up my mind, I go for it without hesitation.

o I peep at the beautiful things in life with the curiosity of a child. I once saw a young woman in "Layefe" walking with her boyfriend. I followed them for a while, appreciating my own clothing (design). It was quite fun.