Originally serving as a location for Spanish Catholic priests to preach, the site of the “Lu Yi” school in Yan’an underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of the Red Army in northern Shaanxi. Following the departure of the priests, the premises evolved into the esteemed “Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts“. In 1941, Li Qun carved “Yan’an Lu Yi School” initially titled “Yesterday’s Church”. This woodcut masterpiece garnered considerable acclaim when exhibited at the Yan’an Military Club. Poet Ai Qing, in a review article for the “Liberation Daily” hailed it as the finest among all works, praising its “most commendable painting” and “the most vivid expression technique”.
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,