Li Qun’s 1964 woodcut print After the Snow portrays a serene winter landscape, with snow-covered fields, hills, a solitary tree, and birds flying in the distance, evoking a tranquil scene following a snowfall. At the heart of this peaceful setting is a woman riding a donkey, holding her newborn baby as she returns home. The delicate details of her journey through the snow represent perseverance and the resilience of daily life, even amid harsh weather conditions. Despite the cold, the image radiates warmth, capturing the quiet beauty of motherhood and the enduring bond between nature and human existence. Li Qun invites viewers to contemplate the harmony of this rural moment, where the simplicity of the scene reflects strength and continuity in the face of life’s challenges.
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,