Li Qun created the woodcut “Refugees” depicting Chinese escaping the Japanese invasion of China to shed light on the plight of civilians affected by war and displacement. During the Japanese invasion of China, countless civilians were forced to flee their homes in search of safety and refuge. Li Qun’s woodcut captures the urgency and desperation of these refugees as they seek sanctuary from the horrors of war. By portraying this scene, Li Qun aimed to raise awareness about the human cost of conflict and to evoke empathy and solidarity for those impacted by the violence of war. “Refugees” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and suffering of individuals caught in the turmoil of war, while also highlighting the importance of compassion and support for those in need.
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,