Oil on canvas

120×139.7 cm. 47 1/4×55 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated on bottom right; signed in Chinese, dated and titiled on the reverse
PROVENANCE
HWA'S Gallery, Shanghai
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Grace Without Demand
Li Qiang's Ode to the Magnolia

Born in 1962, Li Qiang has carved a distinctive path in contemporary Chinese art. A graduate of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 1985, he remained at his alma mater as an educator, rising to prominence during the dynamic "85 New Wave" movement. Using oil paints as his primary medium, Li delves into the aesthetics of classical Chinese art, drawing inspiration from Song dynasty paintings to create his signature "Li-style florals." His works, characterised by poetic elegance and subtle enigma, reflect a profound and uncompromising pursuit of beauty.

Li's artistic journey spans phases of "formalisation", "iconography", and "sensory interpretation," with each stage revealing a greater mastery of colour and brush rhythm. Through a near-abstract technique, he imbues his canvases with the enduring essence of traditional Eastern flower-and-bird paintings, bridging the serene subtlety of the past with contemporary sensibilities. His reinterpretation of Song aesthetics offers a tranquil reprieve from the distractions of modern life, inviting viewers into a realm of pure and timeless poetry.

Resilience in the Chill

This auctioned piece is rendered in muted greys and whites, embracing the philosophy of traditional Chinese aesthetics that celebrates "unspoken beauty." The minimalist composition draws viewers into a serene stillness, encouraging contemplation of boundless meaning through observing nature. A magnolia branch graces the lower-left corner, its petals softly unfolding in winter's chill. The faint shimmer along the petal edges evokes the touch of dawn's first light, exuding a rustic, unadorned charm.

In the centre of the composition, a solitary branch extends horizontally with quiet strength. Unlike the bold, close-up focus on flower forms seen in Georgia O'Keeffe's works, Li situates the magnolia cluster within a vast expanse of negative space. Here, a single bloom stands poised among the emptiness, its sparse silhouette embodying elegance. The interplay between simplicity and intricacy accentuates the flower's quiet dignity, evoking Zen-like reflections on resilience and life's enduring force.

A delicate hue of sky blue crowns the upper portion of the canvas, suggesting the arrival of morning light that gently breaks the cool tones. This subtle warmth, echoing the magnolia's vitality, infuses the painting with a tender sentiment. The soft dawn and the blooming flower form a poetic dialogue, a testament to the artist's homage to life's warmth and beauty. Through its understated palette and composition, the piece tells a story of perseverance amidst solitude and tenderness within stillness. It offers a meditative journey of the soul, a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos, leaving viewers with a sense of reverence and profound emotional resonance.

Price estimate:
HKD 180,000 - 280,000
USD 23,100 - 35,900