“Clear Spring” conceived by Jiu Yi and painted in 1980, represents a distinct Chinese woodcut style. It was prominently featured in the “50th Anniversary Exhibition of Emerging Woodcuts in China” in 1981. Unlike traditional woodcuts, Li Qun boldly embraced a significant black area to enhance the depiction of flowing spring water, creating a vivid portrayal imbued with a distinctive Chinese spirit. The artwork received acclaim both domestically and internationally, surpassing even renowned pieces like “In the Forest.”
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,