YUNNAN VISIONARIES
China as a singular term embraces plural realities
— KERRY BROWN, SACU.ORG.UK
“The Yunnan Province of China is a hidden jewel of creativity. Since the time of the Emperors and throughout the Cultural Revolution (1966–76) its remote location became home to many exiled artists and intellectuals, creating a centre of artistic endeavour in the most unlikely of places.
Yunnan is a place where the past coexists with the present. In its capital, Kunming, ox-driven carriages and hutongs live side-by-side with skyscrapers and luxury cars. In this place of UNESCO heritage sites, stunning natural beauty, and largely Buddhist philosophy, artists tend toward an introspective approach informed by the “normal” of their culture, gifting us a fresh perspective.
Yunnan Visionaries is the first time two extraordinary artists from Yunnan, Chen Li and Gao Xiang – two childhood friends having taken very different chosen paths in life – come together in a powerful exhibition of works that explore harmony and balance from their very different perspectives.”
Chen Li
A dual master of woodblock printmaking and oil painting. Inspired by Yunnan’s spectacular landscapes and always marching to the tune of his own drum, he developed his artistic path in conscious isolation from the influences of academia - his work is intuitive, full of emotion.
Chen Li’s artwork was acquired and exhibited by The British Museum following his inaugural exhibition in the U.K.
Gao Xiang
A multi-disciplinary artist, he holds a Masters and Ph.D. from the prestigious China Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing and is a Professor at the Yunnan Arts University. Inspired by Chinese history and mythology, he contrasts between past and present, dreams and reality. His work can be read like pages in a book, revealing fascinating cultural layers.
Gao Xiang’s work is collected and exhibited by leading museums in China, Norway, and France.