The woodcut print “Drinking Horses” by Li Qun in 1957 portrays a soldier alongside two horses, one white and one black, with the white horse drinking from a pond. This scene suggests a narrative of the soldier caring for his animals amidst their journey or during a moment of respite. The soldier’s presence conveys a sense of responsibility and affection towards his companions, emphasising the bond between humans and animals, and highlighting the compassion and care even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
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,