EXHIBITED:
The Contemporary Road of Media and Tradition: Top10 Chinese Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition, Asia Art Center, Beijing, April 7 - May 6, 2007
Li Chen Solo Exhibition - In Search of Spiritual Space / Energy of Emptiness, The Venice Biennale: the 52nd International Art Exhibition, Telecom Italia Future Centre, Venice, June 10 - November 21, 2007 (large version)
ILLUSTRATED:
Li Chen Sculpture 1992-2002, Asia Art Center Co. Ltd., Taipei, 2004, color illustrated, pp.88-89 (small version)
Top 10 Chinese Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition, Asia Art Center Co. Ltd., Beijing, 2007, color illustrated, p. 50
Li Chen in Venice-Energy of Emptiness, Asia Art Center Co. Ltd., Taipei, 2007, color illustrated, pp.140-141; black-and-white illustrated, p. 219
Li Chen in Beijing - In Search of Spiritual Space, Asia Art Cente Co. Ltd., Taipei, 2008, color illustrated, pp. 64-71; black-and-white illustrated, p. 197
Catalogue Note:
"Clear Soul", created in 2002 by Li Chen, is part of his series "Spiritual Journey through the Great Ether". The sculpture exclusively adopts a silvering material and creates a mirror-like inverting effect. "Clear Soul" figuratively suggests that only a pure and spotless soul, such as that of a newborn baby, may freely fly over the serene and clear lake. The infant-like "Clear Soul" actually means freedom from desires or demands, negating mortal emotions or desires, complying with the rules of nature, and facing and enjoying life with the most genuine attitude. "Clear Soul" seems as if a mind of concerns has seemingly cast off the concerns of mortal toil; it is substantial but feels weightless. Life is real and yet full of illusions, which are doomed to vanish as time goes by. This philosophy can be compared to a mirror-like inverting effect. Pure and spotless "Clear Soul", which is the boundary of Buddhism, will enjoy the freedom of flying over the serene and clear lake. The viewer thoroughly tasting Li Chen's works, will be touched by his "trueness", which, as that of a newborn baby, has already been accidentally revealed by his own name (The Chinese character "((Chen)" means "true") There are no over-complicated lines, and the perfectly round and unsophisticated image or figures always result in understanding smiles in observers. The simple design contains integrated flavor and natural beauty, and presents a visual impact beyond time and space. "Clear Soul" is one of Li Chen's magnum opus that reflects his higher pursuit of art.
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