Li Qun created the woodcut print Portrait of Lu Xun as a tribute to the writer and cultural icon, who was instrumental in inspiring the woodcut movement in China. Lu Xun, renowned for his literary works and advocacy for social change, recognised the power of woodcuts as a medium for conveying cultural and political messages to a wide audience. The print, measuring only 10 by 12 centimeters, captures Lu Xun in his prime, standing before a shelf full of books — a symbolic representation of his steadfast belief in the role of writing to expose societal darkness and promote reading as a means of enlightenment. Through this portrait, Li Qun honors Lu Xun’s influence on the woodcut movement and celebrates his contributions to Chinese literature and intellectual discourse. This work also serves as a testament to their meeting just months before Lu Xun’s passing, marking a meaningful connection between artist and muse.
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,