ZHONG CHENG

Zhong Cheng 2024 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    LI CHEN (b.1963)

    Wisdom Bodhisattva and Fulfillment Bodhisattva

    2001

    Bronze, edition of 8 (a set of two)
    a. 45.5 x 64 x 65 cm b. 40 x 56.5 x 65 cm

    Signature engraved: Li Chen in English, dated 2001 and edition number (2) With one seal of the artist (2)

    Estimate TWD 6,000,000-8,000,000
    USD 188,400-251,200
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 7,200,000
    USD 230,769
    HKD 1,813,602

With a certificate of authenticity from gallery

Provenance：

Illustrated：1. "Li Chen Sculpture 1992-2002," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2004, Page 80-81 (another version) 2. "Li Chen in 52nd Venice Biennale - Energy of Emptiness," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2007, Page 110-115 colorillustrated; Page 218-219 black-and-white illustrated (another version) 3. "Li Chen in Beijing - In Search of Spiritual Space," Asia Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan, 2008, Page 40-49 color illustrated; Page 196-197 black-and-white illustrated (another version)

Exhibition：

Exposition：

In 1963, the world welcomed a Taiwanese artist, Li Chen, born in the picturesque region of Yunlin. Li Chen's art is a mesmerizing tapestry that weaves the rich tapestries of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism into his intricate sculptures, adding a dash of Eastern metaphysical wisdom. His style is a testament to the fusion of these traditions, culminating in a minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly marries spiritual cultivation, emptiness, and the harmony of nature.

In his early works, Li Chen embarked on a transformation of traditional Buddhist iconography, demonstrating a profound focus on the dignified portrayal of form and the spiritual essence of the Dharma. This journey is exemplified in masterpieces such as Water and Moon Guanyin from 1992 and One-Leaf Guanyin from 1996. Around 1998, Li Chen embarked on a journey to simplify the forms of his Buddhist sculptures, allowing for a deeper convergence of the three philosophical traditions and artistic expression, harmonizing the inner realms of thought with their external manifestations. His sculptures, with their jubilant and auspicious charm, radiate an ethereal spirituality that captivates all who behold them. This artistic journey has led to adoration in the domestic art market and international acclaim, with Li Chen becoming the first Chinese artist to host a solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale in over a century in 2007.

Li Chen's sculptures, whether they depict Bodhisattvas or spiritual practitioners, resonate with a profound sense of serenity and introspection. They offer a much-needed source of humane healing that transcends borders, faiths, and cultural boundaries. Take, for example, in the following work, Wisdom Bodhisattva and Fulfillment Bodhisattva, inspired by the "Three Sages of Shakyamuni" as described in the Mahāvaipulya Buddhāvatāra Sūtra— "Manjushri Bodhisattva" on the left and "Samantabhadra Bodhisattva" on the right. When reimagined by Li Chen, the initial impression it imparts is one of familiarity, devoid of any predetermined symbols. Instead, it offers a rounded, serene visual posture, and even the mythical creatures beneath display a more docile and gentle disposition, casting aside their fierce demeanor.

Li Chen masterfully employs contemporary artistic techniques to harmoniously blend Buddhist and Daoist inspirations. The dynamic arcs and flowing lines in his works infuse static sculptures with subtle shifts akin to the ebb and flow of "qi," expanding the color palette with black textures that create an illusion of fullness, as though they are filled with gas or energy. This imbues his works with both a sense of restrained emotional qualities and a playful, cloud-like texture, offering a visual and psychological balance of "both heavy and light." Li Chen adeptly uses color and form contrasts to create a "void aesthetic," allowing viewers to experience a synesthetic connection as if they can personally hear the resonant sound of temple bells echoing from his artworks. This successful creative transformation has ingeniously adapted Eastern aesthetics into contemporary art vernacular, providing a representation of a new Eastern aesthetic that's both traditional and modern.

A glance at Li Chen's works and his creative process reveals the artist's extraordinary dedication to spiritual cultivation. He patiently sculpts and refines his pieces, adhering to the philosophy of "less is more" and the Zen aesthetic of "less is more, and more is nothing." He channels the concept of "emptiness" as "effortless action" from within to without, evoking a subtle meditation. Even if one is not familiar with the symbolism of Manjushri Bodhisattva representing "wisdom" or Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and their vow of "boundless merits," they can still sense the compassion and the tranquil healing energy stemming from neutrality within Li Chen's sculptures. Li Chen's ability to transcend borders through artistic creation is a testament to why his works continue to hold a prominent and enduring position in the domestic and international art and collecting communities.

Li Chen eloquently reminds us, "Art knows no boundaries; it's something intrinsic, a spiritual service, a form of communication for the soul."

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