Li Chen

Li Chen (b. 1963) is a Taiwanese sculptor internationally recognised for his monumental works that blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional spiritual philosophy. Born in Yunlin, Taiwan, Li trained in wood sculpture and honed his skills as a craftsman before developing a singular voice as an artist. His early career was shaped by Buddhist statuary, but he soon broke away from canonical styles to create a sculptural language that balances weight and levity, serenity and power.

Working primarily in bronze, resin and stainless steel, Li is known for his fluid, voluminous forms that appear paradoxically light — almost buoyant. His figures often evoke deities, monks or mythical beings, imbued with a sense of inner calm and transcendence. Series such as Energy of Emptiness, Spiritual Journey through the Great Ether and The Beacon exemplify his integration of Daoist and Buddhist thought with a modern sensibility. The minimalist surfaces of his sculptures, often rendered in monochrome or burnished metal, enhance their meditative presence.

Li has exhibited widely across Asia, Europe and the United States, including at the Venice Biennale (2007) and the National Art Museum of China. His large-scale outdoor works have been installed in parks, temples and public spaces, where their contemplative aura invites quiet reflection. Today, Li Chen is considered one of the most important contemporary sculptors in the Chinese-speaking world, bridging cultural heritage with modern expression.