Artists past and present from around the world, they leave their spirit in their paintings. I am very much moved by them.”

— CHEN LI

Chen Li’s award winning woodblock prints are well known and are part of the The British Museum’s permanent collection. Less is known about his paintings which are equally mesmerising. Chen Li’s trademark flying strokes playfully render wind, clouds, sunshine, the universe - transporting you into an experience of pure joy and freedom.

Chen Li lives the poetry of life. Inspired by the mountains and landscapes of Yunnan, he weaves East and West into a unique visual language full of harmony, spontaneity, and a brilliant interplay of colours and textures.

Chen Li, “The Well of Longchuan”, 2016, oil on canvas, 100 x 130cm

Chen Li developed his style in conscious isolation from the influences of academia:

“Chinese art and Western art have different views about reality. But when I paint, I ignore the rules to create living artistic images ... Just like writing a love letter, content is key; what pen you use is not important. I never think of formal styles or schools of painting, and this gives me unlimited possibilities."

After a turbulent youth and a near-fatal accident, Chen Li goes deep inside himself to find peace, harmony and balance. This search gives his works an extraordinary power and great energy which is passed on to the viewer.

Chen Li, “House in the Mountains”, 2017, 100 x 80cm

I love the joyous abandon of the female figure on the left in the House in the Mountains (above), a joy that is shared by the playful curve of the mountain, the happy green of the grass, and the dance of the wind in the bright blue sky.

For queries, please email me at katrine@katrinelevin.com or DM me on FB/IG.
For Chen Li’s bio, jueban woodblock prints, and paintings, click here

The Dynamic Harmony of Chen Li