In 1962, Li Qun crafted the woodcut print “Rice Season,” depicting a young female tending to the harvest. This artwork aimed to celebrate the significance of rice cultivation in agricultural communities. By highlighting the role of a young woman in the harvest, it sought to emphasise the importance of labour and the contributions of women to agricultural production. Additionally, the portrayal of the rice season captures the essence of rural life and the cycle of agriculture, symbolising abundance, sustenance, and the rhythms of nature. Overall, “Rice Season” reflects Li Qun’s appreciation for agricultural traditions and the hard work of individuals, particularly women, in sustaining communities.
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,