Lot Essay
US$154,800-232,300
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Details
LI KERAN (1907-1989)
Painting inspired by Du Fu's Poems
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
69.5 x 48 cm. (27 3/8 x 18 7/8 in.)
Inscribed, with three seals of the artist
Dated 10 March 1962
Major changes in socio-political events happened in the twentieth century. In particular the cross-over and cross influences of Western and Eastern culture gave Li Keran the power and courage to break out of the usual modes of Chinese ink painting and to create an entirely new set of models. "Founded firmly in tradition with utmost effort, and reinvigorating it with utmost boldness" was his motto during the early years when he dedicated himself to reforming Chinese painting. He once commented "Since 1945, I have taken several long and extensive trips to observe nature and make many sketches. I noticed that tradition comes from that which nature deems most prominent and important, forgoing less important elements, while creation comes from the discovery of elements that have not been focused on before, and to present it with the same strength in art yet in a completely new way."
This current painting is likely a result of Li's travels, his borrowings from Du Fu's poetry to express his sentiments and his unique artistic perspective on the depiction of mountains. While Li's perspective makes the mountains look slightly imaginary, such individuality confirms Li's idea that "painting is not only based on our senses but also through our imagination K we cannot say that it is unreal, because it was derived from our reflections of natureKthat is why art is better than reality, because is it more beautiful, more imaginative, more moving, for it is imbued with the artists thought processes and reflections."
Painting inspired by Du Fu's Poems
Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper
69.5 x 48 cm. (27 3/8 x 18 7/8 in.)
Inscribed, with three seals of the artist
Dated 10 March 1962
Major changes in socio-political events happened in the twentieth century. In particular the cross-over and cross influences of Western and Eastern culture gave Li Keran the power and courage to break out of the usual modes of Chinese ink painting and to create an entirely new set of models. "Founded firmly in tradition with utmost effort, and reinvigorating it with utmost boldness" was his motto during the early years when he dedicated himself to reforming Chinese painting. He once commented "Since 1945, I have taken several long and extensive trips to observe nature and make many sketches. I noticed that tradition comes from that which nature deems most prominent and important, forgoing less important elements, while creation comes from the discovery of elements that have not been focused on before, and to present it with the same strength in art yet in a completely new way."
This current painting is likely a result of Li's travels, his borrowings from Du Fu's poetry to express his sentiments and his unique artistic perspective on the depiction of mountains. While Li's perspective makes the mountains look slightly imaginary, such individuality confirms Li's idea that "painting is not only based on our senses but also through our imagination K we cannot say that it is unreal, because it was derived from our reflections of natureKthat is why art is better than reality, because is it more beautiful, more imaginative, more moving, for it is imbued with the artists thought processes and reflections."
Provenance
COLLECTION OF MR. ZHU KEMING
Zhu Keming previously held a position in the Foreign Trade department in Guangzhou. During Li Keran's first visit to the area, Zhu was given the task of showing him the area, and they later became friends. Lot 726 was gifted to Zhu by Li as a sign of their friendship.
Zhu Keming previously held a position in the Foreign Trade department in Guangzhou. During Li Keran's first visit to the area, Zhu was given the task of showing him the area, and they later became friends. Lot 726 was gifted to Zhu by Li as a sign of their friendship.
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