Enchanting Twilight 1998-2012

Determining precisely when Li Qun entered old age proves challenging, given the considerable gap between his vitality and chronological age. As mentioned earlier, even in his 70s during the reform and opening up era, he exhibited a spirit that belied his years. Approaching 80, on the cusp of the new century, he remained vibrant, ceaselessly engaged in writing, painting, and consistently achieving notable results.

On December 25, 1991, the Lingshi County Party Committee, county government, and Shanxi Literary and Art Circles Federation convened a celebration for “Li Qun’s 60th Anniversary of Artistic Career and 80th Birthday” at the “Lingshi Office” in Taiyuan, adhering to the age-counting customs of his hometown. In November 1992, the Chinese Artists Association, Shanxi Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and Shanxi Artists Association jointly organised the “Academic Symposium on Comrade Li Qun’s 60 Years of Art Creation and 80th Birthday Celebration” in Taiyuan. On December 25, 2002, the Lingshi County Party Committee, County Government, County People’s Congress, and County CPPCC extended congratulations to Li Qun on his 90th birthday at the Xiangmanlou Hotel in Chaoyang District, Beijing.

These recurring commemorations underscore the inexorable march of time and the inevitability of aging. Yet, they also serve as inspiration, emphasising the importance of one’s life’s motivation.

Despite growing older and contending with ailments, including hearing loss and the need for walking aids, Li Qun’s mental state retained an enduring enthusiasm. His passion for what he loved persisted, and he continued to pursue his interests with joy and pride, adapting to his circumstances. Li Qun undertook the re-editing and publication of “Selected Collection of Li Qun Woodcut Prints“, “Selected Collection of Li Qun Chinese Paintings” and the novel collection “The Story of Free Spirited Girls”. He compiled and published his own “Collection of Art and Literature Criticisms” and literary works “Collection of Sunset” and “Afterglow Collection”. Additionally, he gathered materials and edited and published “On Li Qun Literature and Art Collection” edited by others.

Simultaneously, he remained dedicated to the scrutiny of inscriptions, calligraphy, and paintings that captivated his attention. His unwavering standards and reputation, coupled with his spirit of constant self-improvement, earned him respect across the art world, literary circles, and society at large.

Whether residing in Taiyuan before turning 90 or after relocating to Beijing in 2001, Li Qun welcomed numerous visitors, both known and unknown, domestic and foreign, young and old. His warm reception extended beyond mere social niceties, resembling the warmth one would expect from a close relative. This period saw special interviews on CCTV’s “Everyone” program, dedicated pages in “Shanxi Daily” and his hometown of Lingshi County even establishing the “Li Qun Art Gallery” in the Wang Family Compound to provide a permanent home for his artistic legacy.

In ancient times, reaching one hundred years old was deemed an “expectation”. Yet, at 96, Li Qun continued ascending and descending stairs with the aid of a railing, immersed in contemplation about the ebb and flow of his life through avid reading. He maintained an interest in current affairs, perusing newspapers and watching television. Whether basking in the sun or navigating in his wheelchair, he would share reflections on his life, often contemplating both the ancient world and the challenges and possibilities of the present and future.

Li Qun’s later life unfolded peacefully and joyfully, akin to a sky adorned with red clouds. Each day was an opportunity to create—be it through painting or writing—an existence steadfastly refusing to embrace idleness. The phrase “can’t stay idle” remained his guiding principle, embodying a life marked by perpetual creativity.

On December 25, 1992, Li Qun‘s children and grandchildren converged at their family residence in Taiyuan from various locations to commemorate Li Qun‘s 80th birthday. The accompanying photograph captures the entire family gathered for a group picture on December 27.

(Left) In May 1994, Li Qun embarked on a visit to Hangzhou, his alma mater, the National Hangzhou Art College, now known as the China Academy of Art. Upon his return, he penned an article titled “Returning to Alma Mater after Eighty” subsequently published in the 8th issue of “Spark” in 1994. The provided image features a group photo taken during the visit, including Dean Xiao Feng (second from the right) and other individuals.

(Centre) On March 21, 1995, Li Qun enjoyed a day in Centennial Park. Sydney Australia.

(Right) A swimming session in the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia with his eldest son A Ming.

During the Third Member Congress of the China Woocuts Association held in Beidaihe on May 22, 1995, a group photo was taken. At this significant gathering, Li Qun was honoured with the title of honorary chairman following his election.

On February 23, 1995, during the exhibition of the “Li Qun Woodcuts Retrospective” in Sydney, Australia.

(Left) Mrs. Duan Jinkai, the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Sydney. (Right) Li Qun, along with his second daughter A Hong’s family, traveled to Beijing.

1995 SBS Australia Dateline report on Li Qun.

(Left) Li Qun posed for a photograph with Han Meilin on the right, during a visit to the “Han Meilin Art Exhibition” at the National Art Museum of China, accompanied by his eldest daughter A Li. (Right) On November 2, 2002, Li Qun, accompanied by his third son A Qiang and daughter-in-law Jin Yeqian, visited Wang Shikuo’s wife Wu Xian second from the right.

On December 25, 2002, Li Qun gathered for a group photo with his family and some friends in Beijing to celebrate his 90th birthday. In the front row from the right: Hou Kai, Yan Han, Li Qun, Ding Jingwen, Wang Qi, Yu Feng, and others.

(Left) On August 5, 1998, at the age of 86, Li Qun revisited Haojiazhang accompanied by his daughter-in-law, who had returned from Sichuan, and his grandson, who was under 10 years old. This visit served to acquaint the little grandson with the “roots” of this place or perhaps reflected the subconscious yearning for a return to one’s origins in old age. He meticulously explored the village, its surroundings, old and new homes, and rooftops, immersing himself in childhood memories, contemplating the vicissitudes of life, feeling a sense of nostalgia, and reflecting on the journey of life. The scorching sun beat down on that extremely hot day after the rain. Accompanied by several friends from the literary, artistic, and journalistic circles in his hometown, Li Qun engaged in conversations that unveiled the origins of many of his prints and literary works, including “The Story of the Wild Girl” and “My Paradise” conceived in this very village.

(Centre) A photo of Lan Ping was taken in the Wang Family Compound on August 4, 1998.

(Right) The familiar yet unfamiliar landscape, tinged with nostalgia and emotion, made Li Qun feel that he couldn’t get enough of his hometown. A humorous comment from the “Dream” publication, praising the Wang Family Compound as a “contemporary grand view garden” added a touch of amusement to the day. After visiting the Qing Dynasty‘s grand residential building, the Wang Family Compound, Li Qun took a well-deserved rest and engaged in fruitful discussions. These casual remarks often intertwined with the threads of “Bai Xue” and the “Lower Riba People” reflecting on the fate of the People’s Republic of China, the country, and paying attention to the worlds of painting and literature. In this moment of relaxation within the old world, Li Qun found joy.

(Left) In 1998, Li Qun shared a moment with renowned artist Huang Yongyu. (Centre) Li Qun was captured in a photograph alongside Ding Shaoguang (right) and Pei Yulin (left) during an engagement in Taiyuan in June 1999. (Right) On April 2, 2004, despite being in a wheelchair, Li Qun attended Huang Yongyu’s painting exhibition at the National Museum. In a candid moment, a group photo was taken, featuring Huang Yongyu in the back row, first from the left, and Wang Qi‘s wife Wei Xian second from the left.

(Left) During another significant event on March 30, 2004, Zhang Ding, an esteemed painter and former president of the Academy of Arts and Crafts, captured a memorable group photo during his visit to Li Qun’s exhibition at the National Art Museum of China.

(Centre) The “Fat Art Exhibition” showcased Li Qun’s works on March 29, 2004, at the National Art Museum of China. Comrade Shen Weichen, then a member of the Standing Committee of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Propaganda, joined Li Qun in appreciation.

(Right) Li Qun, accompanied by his daughter Alan (right) and daughter-in-law Jin Yeqian (left), standing in front of the exhibition hall, showcasing a moment of pride and artistic connection.

In May 2004, Li Qun and his wife received a visit from Li Qi and his wife, Feng Zhen. During this warm reunion, Li Qi’s wife and Li Qun reminisced about the dance steps they once performed together in Yan’an.

On June 18, 2004, the “Lu Juding Oil Painting Exhibition” unfolded at the “International Art Garden” in Beijing. The opening ceremony brought together prominent figures, including Wen Lipeng (son of Wen Yiduo), Liao Jingwen (Mrs. Xu Beihong), and Li Qun, capturing a moment of artistic camaraderie.

An extraordinary event took place on August 13, 2004, with the inauguration of “Land and People – Li Qun Seventy Years of Woodcuts Art” at the Guangdong Museum of Art. Notably, in this period, the 92-year-old Li Qun, already relying on a wheelchair for mobility, showcased his enduring commitment to art.

Following the exhibition on August 14, 2004, titled “Land and People – Seventy Years of Li Qun Woodcuts Art” at the Guangdong Art Museum, Li Qun gathered with his family and relatives for a heartfelt dinner, concluding the day with warmth and celebration.

(Left) In 2004, the China Academy of Art, formerly known as the National Hangzhou Art College, marked its 70th anniversary. Li Qun joyfully returned to his alma mater to partake in the commemorative activities. On September 29, the image captured him perusing the “Kusu Wood Carving Collection” from that significant year in the academy’s art gallery. The echoes of events that transpired 70 years ago still resonate deeply within his heart, encompassing enthusiasm, passion, pride, bitterness, reflections, lamentations, sighs – all of which have been etched in the long river of history.

(Right) On September 27, 2004, Li Qun revisited his alma mater, the China Academy of Art, and held an exhibition. During his visit, he paid respects at the tomb of his late classmate, Ms. Xia Peng, located at No. 35 Lianhua Mountain. Ms. Xia Peng tragically passed away in a Kuomintang Nationalists prison before 1949.

(Left) The following day, on September 28, 2004, Li Qun’s woodcuts and prints exhibition unfolded at the China Academy of Art, showcasing 60 remarkable works. The accompanying image captures the scene of the opening ceremony, where Li Qun, in his wheelchair, graced the event.

(Right) Passion and poetic expression permeated Li Qun’s inscription for the China Academy of Art Museum on September 28, 2004: “I hope that Chinese woodcuts can inherit the revolutionary art tradition guided by Mr. Lu Xun. Although times have changed, art will always remain unchanged in life”.

(Left) On July 15, 2005, members of the new team from the Woodcuts Art Committee of the China Artists Association paid a visit to Li Qun’s home. Noteworthy figures in the photo include Zheng Zuoliang, Guang Jun, and Li Qun, among others.

(Centre) On September 2, 2005, the National Art Museum of China hosted the “International Art Exhibition to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Victory of the Anti-Fascist War”. The accompanying image captures the opening ceremony, featuring notable individuals such as Li Tieying (third from the left), Hua Junwu (sixth from the left), Li Qun (eighth from the left), Wang Qi (ninth from the left), Zhang Ding (first from the right), and others.

(Right) On May 17, 2006, Li Qun was interviewed by the CCTV for the program “Everyone”. The image portrays the host Xiangdong on the right.

Li Qun interviewed by the China Central Television Broadcasting in 2006

The essence of beauty is found in discovery, and the core of art lies in creation. The ever-shifting twilight in the sky might appear ordinary to most; even if some notice its uniqueness and are intrigued, they might not document and refine the experience. However, for an artist like Li Qun, aged eighty, a chance encounter with such a scene on a train journey from Beijing to Taiyuan in 1992 sparked a profound connection. Promptly upon his return, he commenced the drafting process, seamlessly merging subjectivity and objectivity. The result: “Twilight“.

At approximately 90 years of age, Li Qun encounters challenges in venturing out for sketches and managing woodcut operations. However, driven by his enduring love for life and rooted professional habits, he continues to create artworks sporadically. These creations are either derived from memory and imagination or are based on sketches from the past. Each plant and tree in his works resonates with the brilliance of life. As the saying goes, every breath signifies enduring vitality, and the act of creation persists. Noteworthy among his later works, alongside “Flowers on the Yellow River” and “Twilight” are his representative pieces such as woodcuts featuring “Rose“, “Winter Branches“, “Pine Forest” and “Lilacs” along with a substantial collection of traditional Chinese paintings. Of special note are the yin and yang interplay in “Rose” and the captivating colour palette employed in “Winter Branches”.

In my youth, there was a vague yearning for the Mother River; as an adult, the strains of the “Yellow River Cantata” frequently echoed in my ears; throughout the revolutionary journey, I traversed the landscapes on both banks of the Yellow River. Following the Japanese surrender in 1945, I crossed the Yellow River and arrived at Jinsui. During another crossing of the Yellow River, I reached the opposite bank at Qikou in Linxian County, Qianshan Mountain. Subsequently, I sketched scenes from Qikou. In 2003, Li Qun transformed those sketches into “Family of the Yellow River” representing a form of emotional sustenance for his lifelong connection to the Yellow River. The painting, adorned with apricot blossoms and brimming with the essence of spring, encapsulates both his state of mind and his aspirations. To accomplish such a creation at the age of 91 during the era of reform and opening up is a testament to Li Qun‘s profound artistic depth, making it challenging for us to fully grasp the implications of this work.

2005 Personalised stamps featuring selected works by Li Qun.

“Spring” was crafted in 2008 at the age of 96. The beauty of spring is perpetual. Whether it’s the natural awakening, the rejuvenation of the motherland, the vitality of life, or the flourishing of a career, Li Qun’s heart is filled with beautiful yearnings and memories of spring.

In 2008, at the remarkable age of 96, Li Qun brought forth the enchanting masterpiece, “Spring”. A canvas adorned with a blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and vibrant new blossoms. Birds serenade the heavens, while the earth teems with life. A group of joyous children, accompanied by an elderly figure seated on a bench, paints a delightful picture of the Republic’s promising future. Observing this artwork, one cannot help but share in the optimistic spirit of the elderly gentleman.

Li Qun’s immortality is encapsulated within his inner world, where the scenery of a bright spring is forever etched.

Li Qun Art Museum

(Left) On September 29, 2005, during the grand opening of the Li Qun Art Museum, Li Qun posed for a group photograph alongside Mr. Zhang Weiqin, the visionary investor and dedicated builder of the Li Qun Art Museum, a notable figure in the agricultural entrepreneurship sector.

(Centre) At the age of 93, Li Qun delivered a heartfelt speech at the inauguration of the Li Qun Art Museum. Noteworthy attendees included the esteemed writer Hu Zheng (pictured on the left), and Hao Qiang, the third son of Li Qun (second from the left). In the front row, third from the right, was Nima Zeren, Vice Chairman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

(Right) The Li Qun Art Museum officially opened its doors on September 29, 2005, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of art. The image captures the poignant moments of the opening ceremony.

(Left) Ribbon-cutting ceremony of Li Qun Art Museum in the Wang Family Compound. (Centre) Unveiling ceremony of Li Qun bronze statue. (Right) At the opening ceremony of Li Qun Art Museum, Nima Zeren, Vice Chairman of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, delivered a speech.

For each of the three daily repasts, Li Qun autonomously descends the stairs, settling himself at the dining table. Meticulously, his children ensure his attire for the meal, and he initiates his dining experience with a sense of self-sufficiency. His meals are meticulously and scientifically curated, presenting a diverse menu. Devoid of excess or culinary partiality, he upholds a disciplined and balanced approach to his dining routine.

(Left) Every day, both before and after noon, whether in the comfort of the living room or the serenity of the bedroom, I would recline and immerse myself in books, newspapers, magazines, or peruse letters from friends, staying attuned to the world beyond.

(Centre) During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 96-year-old Li Qun was a frequent spectator, often seated or lying in front of the television, avidly following various events. His gaze lingered, particularly on the iconic “Bird’s Nest” structure, as if contemplatively pondering something deep within. In 2001, at the age of 89, he had expressed his heartfelt longing for the year 2008 and the Beijing Olympics in an article titled “I Can Die in Peace”. His wish was fulfilled and witnessing the spectacular “Shenqi” flag raising performance filled him with joy.

(Right) In July 2009, Shen Peng and his wife captured a memorable moment during their visit to Li Qun’s residence. The group photo features Li Qun’s eldest son A Ming, Shen Peng, Li Qun, Mrs. Shen Peng, and Li Qun’s third son A Qiang.

After the year 2001, Li Qun established his home in Beijing, residing in a three-story building within the Xiangtang Village Cultural Community, Cuicun Township, Changping District. Here, he embraced his later years, sharing the abode with his third son, Hao Qiang, and daughter-in-law. The family, dedicated to fulfilling Li Qun‘s desires, adorned the entrance and courtyard with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a picturesque and serene setting.

These captivating images were skillfully captured by Zhang Yingkang, showcasing the brilliance of the sunset and Li Xue’s enjoyment of the moment. Despite publicly declaring a hiatus from writing, Li Qun continues to wield the pen during artistic endeavors, expressing his emotions or jotting down thoughts when inspired. Throughout his lifetime, one of Li Qun‘s cherished companions has been the “hairy squirrel” (squirrel), featured in his paintings and designs. Even at the age of 96, he finds joy in keeping one as a pet and engaging with it during leisure moments.

On December 25, 2008, marking the auspicious occasion of Li Qun‘s 96th birthday, the entire family gathered for a group photograph.

Joining the celebration of Li Qun’s 96th birthday, leaders from the Lingshi County Committee, County Government, County People’s Congress, and County Political Consultative Conference in Shanxi Province, along with Li Qun‘s relatives and friends, extended warm congratulations on this significant milestone.

Li Qun’s positions held in 2011

Li Qun one of the pioneers of the Chinese woodcuts movement, and founders of the burgeoning Chinese woodcuts industry in the 20th century, Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Association of Woodcut Printmakers and Honorary Chairman of Literary Federation of Shanxi Province, passed away peacefully at the age of 100, in Beijing on February 10th, 2012.

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Enchanting Twilight 1998-2012

Li Qun Art Museum

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Li Qun Art Gallery

王家大院

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