The “Worker” woodcut print crafted by Chinese artist Li Qun in 1941, depicting weathered male face amidst the hardships of a turbulent era in China. Woodcut printing, an ancient Chinese art form, involves carving images onto wooden blocks for printing on various surfaces. Throughout the early 20th century, China experienced significant social and political unrest, including Japanese invasion during World War II. Artists such as Li Qun used their work to spotlight the struggles of common people, particularly labourers facing adverse conditions. This print portraying the rugged faces of a worker, symbolising their resilience and determination amid adversity, serving as poignant representations of the working class’s challenges during this period.
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,