Showing society's stereotypical impression of those taxing jobs, usually undertaken by migrant workers from rural areas, those characters have attracted viewers to stop and read closely. For instance, the character Lei (tiring or tired) appears repeatedly on a construction worker's uniform, which many viewers said has struck a chord with them.

"Xiao Fang is like giving a microphone to those on the margins of society, broadcasting their pains and the prejudices they face," said art lover Zhao Hai, who visited the show recently.

Hu Yinping's project sheds light on the old, unemployed migrant workers who flocked to cities to work in various industries amid China's rapid urbanization fueled by the Reform and Opening-up four decades ago, but have to return to their hometowns at an old age, unable to be employed again, the curator said.