A Future Self

Chen Li, 2015, Self-Portrait in the Future, oil on canvas

Have you ever wondered what your future self might be?

In one of my favourite paintings by Chen Li, he projected himself about 20 years into his future. With his back curved due to an old bar fight injury (don’t ask), he is standing peacefully on the edge of a stream, having reached tranquility within and without. Now, that is tempting. Very tempting.

I too sometimes project what I would like my future self to be, although having inherited from my mother an impatience towards patience and an aptitude for change, my projections are more along the lines of 1 year ahead. I’m pretty sure I would like to find myself surrounded by nature, tra le montagne e il mare (the Italians have always got it right), surrounded by loved ones and at peace with myself and whatever I am doing. And having adventures. Lots and lots and lots of fun adventures and fascinating discoveries.

What you put your focus on, you become. Well, I certainly hope so. Happy becoming everyone!

Chen Li, Resting in the Mountains (Interlude), 2016, oil on canvas

Chen Li (b. 1971, Yunnan Province, China) is a master woodblock printmaker and painter whose work is collected by The British Museum as an exceptional example of Modern Chinese art. After a turbulent youth he goes deep inside himself to find the peace, lightness and joy that permeate his works. “I paint what I feel in my heart. For this I have to face my past, both successes and failures."

For more of Chen Li’s work, check out his Artist Page on our website: https://www.katrinelevin.com/artistpage-chen-li