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Lot Essay
Li Chen specialises in dealing with the relationship between volume, mass, and weight. His works not only emphasise the materiality and the texture of the medium as a creative vocabulary, they also embody profound philosophical meanings. In 2013, Li Chen participated in Monumental Levity: Li Chen 2013 Place Vend?me Premiere Solo Sculpture Exhibition in Paris in the Place Vend?me. Using the square as a stage that witnessed the pivotal events in European history, Li Chen demonstrated the achievements in the sculptural aesthetics as an Asian contemporary artist. His works are internationally acclaimed and acknowledged for his unique approach of infusing Eastern ideologies into the aesthetic language.
Illuminator (Lot 131) of The Beacon series employs an elongated structure to elevate the figure. The figure carefully shields the candle flame. The flame flickers as his hand moves, and its light and shadow produce a modeling effect on the surface of the sculpture. This work attempts to initiate an interaction with the viewer as he or she lights the candle. Through this dialogue between the person, the sculpture, and the flame, the three-dimensional physical presence of the sculpture is transcended to inspire the sensory consciousness of the viewer. The matte finish of the pitch-black surface interplays with the light and shadow produced by the flame, and they highlight and juxtapose the characteristics of the media of each other. The stillness of the sculpture is invigorated with a sense of visual animation that is ever-transforming.
Float to Sukhavati (Lot 130) belongs to the Spiritual Journey Through the Great Ether series. The subject matter was inspired by the philosophy of yin and yang in Taoism. The characteristics of the material are manipulated to express the tangible and the intangible. Li Chen uses the durable medium of copper ore to represent the feathery lightness of a floating cloud. It effortlessly counteracts the heaviness of the figure in black. The spirit of the piece circulates through the intangible rhythms of the yin and yang. As if it is a paranormal phenomenon inspired by a higher power, the figure swims in the thin air vivaciously. The figure in Float to Sukhavati is brimming with romantic sentiments. The whimsical child-like figure exudes innocence as it languidly floats on the cloud. This magnificent work showcases the artist's sense of humour and the sublime effect of contrasting lightness with weightiness simultaneously in the same object.
Illuminator (Lot 131) of The Beacon series employs an elongated structure to elevate the figure. The figure carefully shields the candle flame. The flame flickers as his hand moves, and its light and shadow produce a modeling effect on the surface of the sculpture. This work attempts to initiate an interaction with the viewer as he or she lights the candle. Through this dialogue between the person, the sculpture, and the flame, the three-dimensional physical presence of the sculpture is transcended to inspire the sensory consciousness of the viewer. The matte finish of the pitch-black surface interplays with the light and shadow produced by the flame, and they highlight and juxtapose the characteristics of the media of each other. The stillness of the sculpture is invigorated with a sense of visual animation that is ever-transforming.
Float to Sukhavati (Lot 130) belongs to the Spiritual Journey Through the Great Ether series. The subject matter was inspired by the philosophy of yin and yang in Taoism. The characteristics of the material are manipulated to express the tangible and the intangible. Li Chen uses the durable medium of copper ore to represent the feathery lightness of a floating cloud. It effortlessly counteracts the heaviness of the figure in black. The spirit of the piece circulates through the intangible rhythms of the yin and yang. As if it is a paranormal phenomenon inspired by a higher power, the figure swims in the thin air vivaciously. The figure in Float to Sukhavati is brimming with romantic sentiments. The whimsical child-like figure exudes innocence as it languidly floats on the cloud. This magnificent work showcases the artist's sense of humour and the sublime effect of contrasting lightness with weightiness simultaneously in the same object.