With a certificate of authenticity from gallery
Provenance：
Illustrated：1. "Li Chen 1992-2002 Sculpture," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2004, Page 82-83
2. "Li Chen in Venice 52nd Venice Biennale - Energy of Emptiness," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2007, Page 118-129 and Page 219
3. "Li Chen in Beijing - In Search of Spiritual Space," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2008, Page 50-57 and back cover
4. "Li Chen: Mind, Body, Spirit," Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2010, Page 94-103 color illustrated; Page 183 black-and-white illustrated (another version)
5. "Great of Spirit - Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2011, Page 59 and Page 78-79 (another version)
Exhibition：1. "Li Chen - Energy of Emptiness, 52nd Venice Biennale," Italy, Venice, June 8th-November 21st, 2007
2. "Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space," National Museum of China, Beijing, China, April 29th-May 11th, 2008
3. "Li Chen: Mind, Body, Spirit," Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, September 17th-December 9th, 2009 (another version)
4. "Great of Spirit - Li Chen Premiere Sculpture Exhibition in Taiwan," Chang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan, November 6th-December 4th, 2011 (another version)
5. "Li Chen\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' s Major Sculpture Solo Exhibition," Place Vendome, Paris, France, September 2nd-29th, 2013 (another version)
Exposition：
Originating from Yunlin, the bronze sculptor Li Chen was born in 1963 into a household deeply rooted in the world of interior design and construction materials. His early upbringing exposed him to a diverse array of materials, laying the foundation for his multifaceted understanding of craftsmanship. Initially, Li didn't harbor grand ambitions for artistic pursuits; he simply followed the family's trade.
Yet destiny had its own plans for him. Through a series of serendipitous events, Li found himself drawn into the realm of traditional Buddhist sculpture, making a living in this field for several years. During this time, as he chiseled away at traditional Buddhist statues, he began to notice the constraints imposed by time-honored conventions. A longing to explore his unique creative path gradually took root within him.
Harnessing his honed skills and accumulated experiences, Li embarked on a creative odyssey that gave birth to "Water Moon Guanyin". This sculpture, marked by its ethereal grace, rounded contours, and an inherent sense of warmth, marked the genesis of Li's artistic expression. "Water Moon Guanyin" achieved a sublime fusion of tradition and innovation, not only challenging the established norms of traditional Buddhist sculpture but also serving as a source of inspiration to others, expanding the boundaries of understanding in the realm of Buddhist sculpture on both the domestic and global stages.
From that pivotal point onward, Li Chen embarked on a series of bronze sculptures that seamlessly intertwined traditional and contemporary elements, weaving together the philosophies of Buddhism and Daoism. His works garnered recognition and acclaim on an international scale.
In the initial stages of his artistic journey, Li immersed himself in Buddhist and Daoist scriptures, while also studying ancient Buddhist sculptures in museums and historical sites. Through his artistry, he aimed to convey the profound spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Eastern culture, infusing his creations with the simplicity and elegance that defined his unique style.
One of his most iconic masterpieces, Dragon-Riding Bodhisattva completed in 2001, stands as a magnificent extension of his 1999 creation, "Bodhisattva." This sculpture draws its inspiration from the Buddhist Guanyin Bodhisattva, renowned for her boundless compassion and her mission to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings. Li Chen reimagines her in a "complete" form. With one hand holding a vase of nectar and the other gesturing in a benevolent mudra, her outstretched arms exude warmth and encompass the cosmos. The full moon backdrop accentuates the deep and multi-layered ink wash, evoking the omnipresence of all worldly karma. Her eyes, closed in meditation, radiate tranquility and a faint smile, reflecting her attentive listening to the world's cries for help.
In the following work, Riding the Divine Dragon, the Bodhisattva soars atop a colossal dragon, symbolizing a celestial voyage. The legend traces back to a folk tale during a severe drought, where a plea to Guanyin Bodhisattva led to her sending a dragon to unleash torrents of rain. Devotees hailed her as the "Dragon-Headed Guanyin," elevating her to one of the "Thirty-Three Manifestations of Guanyin."
Li Chen's profound grasp of Buddhist philosophy becomes evident in his ability to transcend the confines of traditional narratives, breathing life into his creations. His sculptures transcend tradition to "form with form" and "shape with shape." This artistic philosophy liberates his work from conventional constraints, allowing him to explore new dimensions of artistic expression.
Infused with introspection and a serene demeanor, Li infuses his contemporary sculptures with purity, harmony, and wisdom. He places great emphasis on the concept of "emptiness," a foundational element in Chinese Buddhism and Daoism. In these traditions, "emptiness" does not denote nothingness but rather a profound state of transcendent wisdom and serenity. Li Chen adeptly employs a minimalist approach in his wood carving techniques, simplifying complexity and elevating contours to resonate with the spiritual dimensions within.
His sculptures possess a unique quality where, despite their substantial physical presence, they appear to float with a sense of "weighty lightness." The exaggerated, entirely black materiality conceals a spirit that emanates childlike wonder, joy, and contentment. This juxtaposition of material and spirit represents a harmonious fusion of spiritual and material energies, offering viewers a profound sense of solace and serenity.
Through his art, Li Chen not only redefines aesthetics but also extends the concept of beauty to encompass the innate purity, harmony, and completeness of the human spirit. His sculptures embody a spiritual emptiness that seamlessly connects the material and spiritual realms, creating a perfect fusion of form and essence.
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