PRINTPROVENANCE:
Private collection, Asia
EXHIBITED:
The Beacon–When Night Light Glimmers, ShContemporary 10 The Asia Pacific Contemporary Art Fair, Shanghai, September 9-12, 2010 (different sized version)
ILLUSTRATED:
The Beacon Series When Night Light Glimmers, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2010, color illustrated, pp. 56-61
This sculpture is to be sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Art Center, Taipei.
Catalogue Note:
''Behind the Beacon series is a ceremonial process; its essence lies in Yinze - the full of diminishing glory and the moon.'' - LI CHEN
One day in 2009 Li Chen returned home after a busy day at work, lit the oil lamp in the family hallway for worship where that had sat idle for so long and sat there enjoying the warmth of silence. This experience provided the inspiration for Beacon series. This series was completed with just eight pieces and was very focused interims of its motif.
Fire provided Mankind with the ability to cook food, marking the beginning of civilization. All cultures and religions have legends about the birth of fire, in Chinese legends it is Suiren, in Greek legend Prometheus. Even the totems of primitive tribes and their reverence for fire points in the direction of light and the idea of providing spiritual direction. The interaction people and fire is replete with warmth, security, knowledge and happiness and as such the significance of fire for Mankind has been remained unshakeable over the years. The dancing flames and light seem infused with spirituality and vitality, an atmosphere that is infused with an endless cycle of life. Li Chen says: ''Behind the Beacon series is a ceremonial process: its essence lies in Yinze - the full of diminishing glory of the sun and the moon.'' The artist attempts to ensure that the the act of lighting the lamp makes the sculpture more ''interactive''. If we observe the movement in light and shade from different angles and changes in lightness and darkness on the sculpture then this visual layering explains the three dimensions stimulates the viewer's sensory awareness and speaks to the spirituality the human soul, as the interplay of shade, atmosphere, breathing and space combines to enrich the meaning of the sculpture.
In Chinese, “The Pursuer” sounds like the word for “chasing after”, which clearly expresses the meaning behind the work. Taking a huge stride forward with only one foot on the ground and arms extended forward, the figure holds a candle flame in both hands as he dashes through the clouds. Here, the candle flame seems to signify the light that will direct one’s path. The artist created an amazing human form that exudes grace and speed. Its powerful physique is reminiscent of Kua Fu, the giant famous for his relentless pursuit of the sun in an attempt to catch it according to Chinese mythology. But what is Li Chen’s heroic figure chasing after? Could the answer possibly lie in the flame burning in his outstretched hands? Is he chasing after goals and dreams or undertaking a quest of faith? Ultimately
its interpretation depends on how one defines his goals in life as well as his understanding and experiences of life. A white cloud twirling around the waist of the figure is evocative of a bubble foam bath or just like one of a dance costume, triggering the imagination and lending a surprising touch of humor to the otherwise thought-provoking theme. Such is the wondrous creativity of Li Chen.
Private collection, Asia
EXHIBITED:
The Beacon–When Night Light Glimmers, ShContemporary 10 The Asia Pacific Contemporary Art Fair, Shanghai, September 9-12, 2010 (different sized version)
ILLUSTRATED:
The Beacon Series When Night Light Glimmers, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2010, color illustrated, pp. 56-61
This sculpture is to be sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Art Center, Taipei.
Catalogue Note:
''Behind the Beacon series is a ceremonial process; its essence lies in Yinze - the full of diminishing glory and the moon.'' - LI CHEN
One day in 2009 Li Chen returned home after a busy day at work, lit the oil lamp in the family hallway for worship where that had sat idle for so long and sat there enjoying the warmth of silence. This experience provided the inspiration for Beacon series. This series was completed with just eight pieces and was very focused interims of its motif.
Fire provided Mankind with the ability to cook food, marking the beginning of civilization. All cultures and religions have legends about the birth of fire, in Chinese legends it is Suiren, in Greek legend Prometheus. Even the totems of primitive tribes and their reverence for fire points in the direction of light and the idea of providing spiritual direction. The interaction people and fire is replete with warmth, security, knowledge and happiness and as such the significance of fire for Mankind has been remained unshakeable over the years. The dancing flames and light seem infused with spirituality and vitality, an atmosphere that is infused with an endless cycle of life. Li Chen says: ''Behind the Beacon series is a ceremonial process: its essence lies in Yinze - the full of diminishing glory of the sun and the moon.'' The artist attempts to ensure that the the act of lighting the lamp makes the sculpture more ''interactive''. If we observe the movement in light and shade from different angles and changes in lightness and darkness on the sculpture then this visual layering explains the three dimensions stimulates the viewer's sensory awareness and speaks to the spirituality the human soul, as the interplay of shade, atmosphere, breathing and space combines to enrich the meaning of the sculpture.
In Chinese, “The Pursuer” sounds like the word for “chasing after”, which clearly expresses the meaning behind the work. Taking a huge stride forward with only one foot on the ground and arms extended forward, the figure holds a candle flame in both hands as he dashes through the clouds. Here, the candle flame seems to signify the light that will direct one’s path. The artist created an amazing human form that exudes grace and speed. Its powerful physique is reminiscent of Kua Fu, the giant famous for his relentless pursuit of the sun in an attempt to catch it according to Chinese mythology. But what is Li Chen’s heroic figure chasing after? Could the answer possibly lie in the flame burning in his outstretched hands? Is he chasing after goals and dreams or undertaking a quest of faith? Ultimately
its interpretation depends on how one defines his goals in life as well as his understanding and experiences of life. A white cloud twirling around the waist of the figure is evocative of a bubble foam bath or just like one of a dance costume, triggering the imagination and lending a surprising touch of humor to the otherwise thought-provoking theme. Such is the wondrous creativity of Li Chen.