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"Today I am nearly 80 years old, but I have never been satisfied with my works. I often wish I could live to a hundred years old..." said Li Keran (1907-1989), one of the most innovative Chinese painters, at his previous exhibition. Devoting his whole life in artistic creation and the reform of Chinese painting, Li Keran left his followers and art lovers plenty of works, which give viewers ample room to explore his magnificient vision in Chinese art and his lively interpretation of the spirit of Chinese people.

If you have missed Li's previous exhibitions, do not miss this opportunity to appreciate nearly 120 masterpieces by Li featured at an exhibition - "Magnificent Vision - The Art of Li Keran" to be staged at the Hong Kong Museum of Art from tomorrow (October 12) to November 25, 2001. Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Li Keran Art Foundation, the exhibition covers the works of painting and calligraphy created by Li between the 40's and the end of the 80's, giving a comprehensive view of the career of this master and his attempts to perfect his work, and to integrate Chinese and western art in his long explorations.

Addressing at today's Opening Ceremony, the Acting Deputy Director (Culture) of LCSD, Mr Tony Ma Kai-loong, said, "In the 20th century, the development of Chinese painting underwent profound changes in response to the impact of western culture. During this period, Li Keran was one of the most innovative artists who had contributed to the fundamental reform of Chinese painting. His works strongly illustrated his innovation."

Mr Ma added that the "Magnificient Vision - The Art of Li Keran" is another exhibition organised by the Museum of Art, following the previous exhibitions on the artists Zhu Qizhan, Xu Beihong, Huang Binhong, Wu Guanzhong, etc, to introduce the works and achievements made by those innovative masters in the 20th century.

Li Keran studied sketching and oil painting at the National Academy of Art and had also been instructed by the traditional painter Qi Baishi and Huang Binhong. He had taught at the National Beiping College of Art and Central Institute of Fine Art, and was appointed as director of the Research Institute of Chinese Painting and vice-chairman of the Chinese Artists' Association. With his background of Western academic training and devotion to traditional ink painting, he has achieved a unique innovation in Chinese painting.

Li is renowned in painting landscape, figure and buffalo, characterised by his condensed brushstrokes and dark ink that convey a sense of monumentality. He liked to apply ink wash on paper in several layers to create the effect of dense mountains and forests, and let the edges of the mountains painted with light ink or "left blank", demonstrating his efforts in creating the dazzling effect of light. Li also loved to paint buffaloes. He vividly drew the buffaloes and the buffalo boys in simple style. He not only wanted to show the lovely images of the hardworking buffaloes, but also used them to symbolise good temperaments and spirit of Chinese people.

Li's unique artistic style was influenced by his times and the social milieu he was in. During the nearly 70 years of his career, he engaged in tireless explorations and bold innovation. Starting from traditional ink painting, he went on to paint from nature and integrate the western painting methods. By combining new and old techniques, he managed to break through the conventional formulas. "Founding firmly in tradition with the utmost efforts and reinvigorating it with the utmost boldness" was Li's motto, which illustrates his determination to the reform of Chinese painting. In fact, his artistic career, thoughts of art, and influence have summed up the major artistic current and set a new direction for the Chinese painting of the 20th century.

Apart from featuring the beautiful works by Li, an educational corner and a reading corner are furnished in the gallery, and a series of lecture talks, open demonstrations as well as workshops will be held to provide background information of the artist, and to further enhance viewers' understanding of the selected exhibits. In addition, one of the buffalo paintings will be transformed into a stage setting for visitors to take pictures. Children can even sit on the back of the model buffalo, put on the costume of shepherd boy and experience the world of Li Keran as in his painting.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It opens from 10 am to 6 pm daily and closes on every Thursday (except public holidays). Admission Fee is $ 10 with half-price concession applicable for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Admission is free on Wednesdays. For enquiries, please call 2721 0116 or visit the Museum of Art's website at http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkma/

End/Thursday, October 11, 2001

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