Bronze sculpture Edition: 7/8

88 x 29 x 30 cm. 34 5/8 x 11 3/8 x 11 3/4 in.

Signed in Chinese, pinyin, numbered, and dated on the bottom backside of the figure

LITERATURE
2004, Li Chen 1992-2002 Sculpture, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 70-71 (different sized edition)
2007, Li Chen : Energy of Emptiness 2007 Solo Exhibition at 52nd International Art Exhibition-La Biennale di Venezia, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 88-91
2007, The Contemporary Road of Media and Tradition: Top10 Chinese Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition, Asia Art Center, Beijing, p.52
2008, Li Chen : In Search of Spiritual Space 2008 Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 196
2009, Li Chen: Soul Guardians - In an Age of Disasters and Calamities, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 56
2012, Greatness of Spirit: Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p.146
2019, Through the Ages-Li Chen, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p.197
EXHIBITED
8 Jun - 21 Nov 2007, Li Chen: Energy of Emptiness, 52nd International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, Telecom Italia Future Centre, Venice (different sized edition)

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Asia

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

Inner Self and Outer World
The Sculpture Realm of Li Chen

With his signature technique, Li Chen created a diverse sculpture portfolio with critical insights into the social dynamics, which has won him international fame and a lauded position among his contemporary peers. Based on the Buddha statues of Tang and Song dynasties, he used black paint to produce plump sculptures yet with an airy soul, which make up the Energy in Emptiness series. His first solo exhibition in 1999 signified his official debut in the art community. He invented the technique that applies gold and silver leaf onto the ink lacquer and presented the subject with considerable vitality in different contexts, including the Spiritual Journey and the Beacon series. Since 2000, his multi-series exhibitions across around 20 cities and his works being widely in private and public collection have gained him worldwide recognition.

In his creation, Li reproduces the very core of Eastern philosophy by making frequent and powerful references to classical Chinese thinking. The two pieces present at the auction, Harmonize without Compromise (Lot 51), Cloud Glider (Lot 50), demonstrate his insightful understanding of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism respectively. With the support of different schools of traditional teachings, Li managed to explore the extensive possibilities of life.

Harmony in Diversity

Confucius said, “the gentleman aims at harmony, and not at uniformity. The mean man aims at uniformity, and not at harmony.” Created in 2000, Harmonize without Compromise is one of the very few deliverables that is themed by Confucian ethics and conveys his thorough thoughts on the relationship of agreement and disagreement. In the Pre-Qin times, harmony was the culmination of inclusiveness and diversity. The principle of “Harmonize without Compromise” recognizes differences and intelligent independence, which are the benchmark traits of a learned man. In this piece, the master stands with refined grace and dignified propriety, wearing “lotus shoes” and crossing his hands like a gesture in Jingang Quan. He has his eyes slightly closed while putting on a pair of modern over-ear headphones as if to connect with his inner self and the nature that surrounds him.

The artist made the most of his uncanny sense of humor to depict the master as a representative of local gentlemen. The sculpture, while amusing the viewer with its peaceful posture, can also stimulate in-depth self-reflection.

Shoot for the Sky

Completed in 2000, Cloud Glider as the highlight of Energy in Emptiness features the icon of Taoism. The artist added a silver layer to the wisp of cloud for a stronger dose of airiness and a breath of fairy life. The inspiration came from the artist's conversation with his son about the repair of ozone layer. The discussion led to the thought of Nv Wa, who patched up the sky with a piece of magical cloud that carries people's best wishes. In this statue, the wanderer stands on one foot on top of the rising cloud. He holds a small puff of silver cloud in hand, and his slightly slanted posture nurtures an upward trending momentum as if he is about to fly up high to follow in the footsteps of Nv Wa. Despite the seemingly unstable posture, the sculpture reaches a perfect equilibrium with the lightness of silver offsetting the solidity of ink. The pillar-like shape alludes to cloud being the spiritual core of Taoism, giving off a sense of peacefulness and liberty.

Li Chen's diverse array of sculptures reproduce the realities and encompass the wide possibilities of human nature. He dives deep into our spiritual world and points out the right way for those who go astray, reaching an artistic and humanistic highland.

Price estimate:
HKD: 700,000 – 1,000,000
USD: 90,300 – 129,000

Auction Result:
HKD: 731,600