Details
LI CHEN
(Chinese, B. 1963)
Clear Soul
signed in Chinese; signed 'Li Chen'; number '7/8' (lower back)
bronze sculpture
57 x 26 x 45 cm. (22 3/8 x 10 1/4 x 17 5/8 in.)
edition 7/8
Executed in 2002
Literature
Asia Art Center, Li Chen: Oriental Sculpture Spiritual Journey, Taipei, Taiwan, 2006 (illustrated, pp. 88-89).
Asia Art Center, Li Chen: Energy of Emptiness, 2007 Solo Exhibition at 52nd International Art Exhibiton-La Biennale di Venezia, Taipei, Taiwan, 2007 (illustrated, pp. 136-141).
Asia Art Center, Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space, 2008 Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Taipei, Taiwan, 2008 (different sized version illustrated, pp. 64-71, 168 & 177-178).
Singapore Art Museum, Li Chen : MindDBodyDSpirit, Li Chen Solo Exhibition at Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2009 (different sized version illustrated, pp. 151 & 156-161).
Exhibited
Venice, Italy, 52nd International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, Energy of Emptiness, 2007 (different sized version exhibited).
Beijing, China, Asia Art Center, Soul Guardians-In an Age of Disasters and Calamities, 2008 (different sized version exhibited).
Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Li Chen : MindDBodyDSpirit, 2009 (different sized version exhibited).

Brought to you by

Felix Yip
Felix Yip

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Lot Essay

Sakyamuni (Lot 1436) is a sculpture that illustrates Li Chen's unique visual language of the 'well-rounded harmony'. In The Style of Li Chen's Art essay by Chia Chi Jason Wang, he mentioned: "Li Chen's sculptural works have represented vividly the beauty of well-rounded harmony, which is not only a legacy of Chinese spiritual and philosophical tradition but also an embodiment of Li Chen's personal belief, artistic temperament, and aesthetic choice. Therefore, from this day on, 'well-rounded harmony' can be properly described as the style of Li Chen's art". Created in 2002 in addition to his series, Spiritual Journey Through the Great Ether, the reflective silver of Clear Soul (Lot 1437) suggest a pureness of the immaculate soul. The shine and energy of the piece reflected against the black, exhibits a harmonious space of magnificence in reaching 'celestial consciousness.' The contrasting of light and dark is an element taken from Chinese myths. The title of the work connotes the notion of a soul free from desires, inhabiting a life without possession. To live in pursuit of nature is to enjoy life with upmost sincerity. Li's works is best appreciated for his 'trueness' which coincidentally is the meaning of his last name, the Chinese word of Chen means 'true.' The rotund figure in his work receives smiles from viewers as it projects a harmony aligned with Buddhist philosophy that resonates an appreciation for natural beauty beyond time and space.

More from Asian Contemporary Art (Day Sale)

View All
View All