Bronze sculpture Edition: EA 3/4

89 x 157 x 53 cm. 35 x 61 3/4 x 20 7/8 in.

Signed in pinyin, numbered on the back of the ankle, signed in Chinese on the bottom of the right foot, signed in Chinese and dated on the back of the stand bottom

LITERATURE
2004, Li Chen 1992-2002 Sculpture, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 38-43 and p. 104 (different size and edition)
2007, Li Chen : Energy of Emptiness 2007 Solo Exhibition at 52nd International Art Exhibition-La Biennale di Venezia, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 30-41 (different size and edition)
2008, Li Chen : In Search of Spiritual Space 2008 Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 173
2009, Li Chen : Mind Body Spirit, Li Chen Solo Exhibition at Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2009, back cover, p. 132 and p. 144-151 (different size and edition)
2009, Li Chen: Soul Guardians - In an Age of Disasters and Calamities, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 160 and p. 175
2012, Greatness of Spirit: Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 68-69, p.154-155 and p. 176 (different size and edition)
2014, Monumental Levity of Li Chen: Premiere Sculpture Exhibition Place Vendome Paris, Asia Art Center, Taipei , p. 65 and p. 80-81 (different size and edition)
2016, Knowledge and Enlightenment ——'Immortality of Fate' and 'Ordinary People' Series Debut Exhibitions, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 10-11 (different size and edition)
2018, Being: In/Voluntary Drift —— Li Chen Solo Exhibition, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei, p. 100-107 (different size and edition)
2019, Through the Ages-Li Chen, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 43, p. 49, p. 58 and p. 90-93 (different size and edition)
EXHIBITED (different size and edition)
1 Sep – 10 Oct 2004, Openasia International Sculpture and Installation Exhibition, Venice
8 Jun - 21 Nov 2007, Li Chen : Energy of Emptiness, 52nd International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, Telecom Italia Future Centre, Venice
29 Apr – 11 May 2008, Li Chen : In Search of Spiritual Space, National Art Museum of China, Beijing
17 Sep – 9 Dec 2009, Li Chen: Mind Body Spirit, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore
6 Nov – 4 Dec 2011, Greatness of Spirit – Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Freedom Square, Taipei
2 Sep – 29 Sep 2013, Li Chen's Major Sculpture Solo Exhibition, Place Vendome, Paris
1 Jul – 27 Aug 2017, Being: In/Voluntary Drift – Li Chen Solo Exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei
3 Nov 2018 – 27 Jan 2019, Through the Ages – Li Chen Solo Exhibition, Aurora Museum, Shanghai

PROVENANCE
Important Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Arts Center, Taipei

Body of Lightness, Heart of Clearness
Li Chen in His Pure Land

“I am a 'spiritualist'. Creation is my way of finding a pure land.”
——Li Chen

Li Chen's artworks were described by Peng Feng, the curator of Venice Biennale, as a testament to the “return of beauty” in Eastern spirit and a rebranding of oriental philosophy. His statutes inherit traditional aesthetics in terms of visual presentation but at the same time exhibit modern vibe that offers the viewer both a sense of lightness and steadiness. Chinese schools of philosophy are also implicitly imbedded in his sculptures to make them come off multifaceted. The series Energy of Emptiness since 1998 sidesteps from the conventional styling of Buddha and morphs it into a modern look with Zen feel yet not without lightheartedness. Pure Land created in 1998 is the first representative piece that has incorporated the free-wandering spontaneity of Zhuangzi, highlighting the carefree mindset of the artist.

Road to Global Prominence

Pure land has brought Li international fame. In 2004, he joined OPENASIA, 7th International Exhibition of Sculptures and Installations, where he won over the appreciation of Paolo De Grandis, an established Italian curator. De Grandis even went to the length of visiting Taiwan to invite him to the 52nd Venice Biennale. Li hosted Energy of Emptiness at the 2007 Biennale, and Pure Land was the highlight among the 15 exhibits. The exhibition shot him to global acclaim and made him one of the most celebrated Chinese sculptors. This piece has been part of many of his solo exhibitions afterwards, leaving a lasting impression on viewers with its half-floating posture and the spontaneous mentality it conveys.

Fun in Recline, Fly in Freedom

The subject with a plump physique is reclining on the mountain top. He extends his arms backward and crosses his legs in a laidback way. Its slanting posture opens it up to flexible interpretation and reminds the viewer of Bada Shanren's dumb-looking fish, which swim freely in the boundless space with a pure heart. Li Chen transforms the reclining buddha from the Tang dynasty into a more modern image. The sleek black paint empowers the statue with a touch of solidity. The large stature sitting onto the hilltop lights up the composition with shining energy, creating a visual oxymoron and unique artistic delight.

Feast of Art, Paradise of Soul

Pure Land is originally a Buddhist concept. For Li Chen, he enters a pure land whenever he is creating artworks. Li lets out his childish part through the innocent expression of the Buddha. Li joins the Buddha in his mental wandering and makes the journey delightful with his heart of gold. The artist's focus on emptiness creates an invisible yet impressive visual experience. The sculpture reflects his underlying peaceful mentality and draws the viewer to his creative realm that is not accessible yet with tremendous appeal.

Price estimate:
HKD: 2,500,000 – 4,500,000
USD: 322,600 – 580,600

Auction Result:
HKD: 3,304,000