Bronze sculpture Edition: 18/30

49.5×27×18.5 cm. 19 1/2×10 5/8×7 1/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and Pinyin, dated and numbered on the back

LITERATURE (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, cover and p. 173 - 177
2008, Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space, Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 116-123, 172 and 175
2009, Li Chen: Soul Guardians - In an Age of Disasters and Calamities, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p.29
2009, Li Chen: Mind・Body・Spirit, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, p.53
2012, Greatness of Spirit: Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 90-93
2014, Monumental Levity of Li Chen - Premiere Sculpture Exhibition Place Vendome Paris, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 92-93
2016, Li Chen: Knowledge and Enlightenment — 'Immortality of Fate' and 'Ordinary People' Series Debut Exhibitions, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 75
2018, Through the Ages – Li Chen Solo Exhibition, Aurora Museum, Shanghai, p. 102 – 107
EXHIBITED (different sized edition)
1 Jun – 21 Nov 2007, Li Chen Solo Exhibition In 52nd Venice Biennale: Energy of Emptiness – In Search of Spiritual Space, Telecom Italia Future Centre, Venice
5 Nov – 4 Dec 2011, Greatness of Spirit – Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and Freedom Square, Taipei
2 - 29 Sep 2013, Li Chen's Major Sculpture Solo Exhibition, Place Vendome, Paris
3 Nov 2018 – 27 Jan 2019, Through the Ages – Li Chen Solo Exhibition, Aurora Museum, Shanghai
20 Jun – 30 Aug 2020, Song Art Invitation Exhibition, Song Art Museum, Beijing

PROVENANCE
Asia Art Center, Taipei
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

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

In the Tranquil Rise of Clouds
Li Chen's Great Ambitions

Born in 1963, the renowned Chinese sculptor Li Chen developed an innate sensitivity to various materials and forms from a young age due to his family's involvement in the decoration and building materials business. In 1989, during a period of high demand for Buddhist statues in Taiwan, Li Chen began studying sculpture and delved deeply into the meanings and principles behind Buddhist icons.

Through self-study and copying traditional works, he gradually recognized the tension between his creative ideas and external demands. This realization led him to break away from conventional frameworks and integrate the philosophy of Zhuangzi into his work. By exploring humorous proportions, he seeks to express the core spiritual essence of Eastern culture—embodying Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian thoughts—while also reflecting on contemporary society.

Ten years later, Li Chen gained instant fame with his solo exhibition Energy of Emptiness in Taipei. He based his work on the voluptuous and elegant forms of Tang and Song dynasty Buddhist statues, using a technique of ink-coloured lacquer to create a series of modern sculptures. These sculptures feature a rounded, substantial form with hollow interiors, showcasing an aesthetic of "both heavy and light" that reflects Laozi's philosophy of "heaviness as the root of lightness, stillness as the ruler of agitation." In these pieces, he infuses a dynamic spirit, allowing viewers to experience a dual impact of tranquility and power through their gaze.

In 2001, Li Chen developed his most renowned series, Spiritual Journey through the Great Ether, which interprets Daoist principles of "Wuji and Taiji, movement and the emergence of Yang." These works are characterized by their simple and rhythmic forms, seemingly floating through clouds and mist, presenting a transcendent Zen-like quality and philosophical depth. They embody the Daoist spirit of "emptiness as humility," guiding viewers to experience an ethereal realm.

In 2007, Li Chen became the first Chinese artist to hold a solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale. He has since held major solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as Place Vendôme in Paris, the National Art Museum of China, the Singapore Art Museum, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, and the Aurora Museum in Shanghai. This year, Li Chen was honored with the "Outstanding Achievements in the Sculptural Art Award" award by the American Friends of the Israel Museum. He became the first Chinese artist to receive this accolade, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary sculpture.

Ascending the Majestic Peak: Riding Clouds in Blissful Freedom

Li Chen's style embodies a fusion of the mundane and the transcendent. Buddhist figures possess the forms, expressions, and details of secular life, creating a sense of closeness to human emotions. Thus, these images naturally convey dual meanings.
—Fan Di'an

Soothing Breezes Floating Clouds is a defining piece of the Spiritual Journey through the Great Ether series. Through its delicate and dynamic sculptural language, it evokes a sensation of floating in the air, illustrating the beauty of stillness intertwined with vitality while conveying an energy of inclusiveness.

The artwork features rounded, full lines that embody the Zen concepts of "purity and non-action" and "lightness and freedom" found in both Buddhist and Daoist philosophies. It has been showcased in prestigious international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Place Vendôme in Paris, and the Shanghai Aurora Museum, underscoring its significance.

Li Chen transforms traditional revered deities into innocent human figures, holding a fan of heaven and earth, seated atop a mountain peak surrounded by clouds, exuding joy. This transformation retains the Buddhist notion of "emptiness" and the Daoist essence of "vitality" while adding a playful and relatable touch.

Using traditional black lacquer techniques on copper, Li gives the cold metal a warm, jade-like quality. He innovatively incorporates a "silver pressing" technique for the auspicious clouds, embedding the lightness of "soothing breezes" within the calm of "floating clouds." The matte wave patterns carved into the fan and mountain peak reflect changing light and shadow, allowing viewers to experience the infinite tension within the lightness.

The piece adeptly showcases Li Chen's unique approach to weight and volume. The minimal base contrasts with the increasing volume and deepening colours, representing an immortal figure serenely seated above the clouds, calmly observing the world. This artwork serves as a gentle breeze amidst the chaos, soothing the spirit and allowing Eastern philosophy to resonate beautifully in contemporary art.

Price estimate:
HKD 250,000 – 350,000
USD 32,100 – 44,900

Auction Result:
HKD: 744,000