“After the Club Meeting” by Li Qun portrays a scene of individuals gathering, some preparing to depart on bicycles while others are already cycling away, conveying a sense of camaraderie and community spirit as they bid farewell. In early 20th-century Chinese woodcut art, such scenes symbolised solidarity and collective action, emphasising mutual respect and friendship among participants. This woodcut captures themes of social cohesion, mutual support, and the significance of shared experiences in fostering relationships and strengthening communities. Overall, it embodies a message of solidarity, friendship, and the value of collective endeavours, reflecting Li Qun’s focus on depicting the human experience and community dynamics in his art.
Childhood 1912-1930
A village childhood Li Qun’s roots trace back to a quaint mountain village, an enclave characterised by a mere six courtyards and ten households in its nascent years. This hamlet, situated in Lingshi County, Shanxi Province, earned its identity as Hao Jia Zhang. Positioned to the east of Fenhe River,