EXHIBITED:

Li Chen in 52nd Venice Biennale - Energy of Emptiness, Venice, 2007 (different sized version illustrated)

Li Chen - In Search of Spiritual Space, National Museum of China, Beijing, 2008 (different sized version illustrated)

Li Chen: Mind, Body, Spirit, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2009 (different sized version illustrated)

ILLUSTRATED:

Li Chen 1992-2002 Sculpture, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2004, color illustrated, cover & p. 22, pp. 48-49

Top 10 Chinese Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition, Asia Art Center, Beijing, 2007, color illustrated, p. 44

Li Chen in 52nd Venice Biennale - Energy of Emptiness, Venice, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2007, color illustrated, pp. 68-75

Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space, 2008 Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2008, color illustrated, p. 171& p. 178

Li Chen: Mind, Body, Spirit, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore, 2009, color illustrated, pp. 80-81

This sculpture is to be sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Art Center, Taipei.

"Avalokitesvara" is one of the most memorable works in Li Chen's very first exhibition titled "Energy of Emptiness (1999)." The plumpish sculpture reveals a benevolent yet sympathetic demeanor, and in its indistinctive facial features, evidence of gratification and harmony could be found along with a hint of modesty. Given the work's simplistic approach, nevertheless its amplified outcome was made possible with an implacable sense of energy; between extremity and mass is a coexistence of abstract and tangible sensation. The casualness and bluntness of the sculpture's posture is a result of insight to the essence embraced by voidness, and that is where the uniqueness of Li Chen's individuality lies.

From the connection between the sculpture's complexion and contour, it is evident that the artist has exhibited an unparalleled level of integration of the two elements. What seems to be simple on the surface could transform with the change of shade, despite its spherical shape, it is still able to display an exquisite as well as ingenious spirituality. The combination of a purification vase in the left hand while a symbolic sign formed on the right in addition to its rotund physique standing with both arms fully extended is a portrait of soundness and strength and offers a sense of serenity to people. On the surface, the sculpture was done by using Chinese black lacquer which achieves an unusual result after been polished, and it gives off an illusion as the object's true weight is not what it seems to the spectators. This is indeed an intriguing work of art.