1st May – 29th August 2010

artchinese partnership Animal Kingdom: Paintings by Li Fuyuan

The Museum of East Asian Art is pleased to work in cooperation with ArtChinese to host the exhibition: “Animal Kingdom: Paintings by Li Fuyuan,” which features fifteen pieces of the artist’s works.

Tiger, 2008   ink & colour on paper  46 x 46 cm

Tiger, 2008 ink & colour on paper 46 x 46 cm

China has one of the greatest diversities of wildlife in the world, so it is of no surprise that throughout history animals have become significant in Chinese art and culture.  Historically many different animals have come to be used as auspicious symbols in Chinese art, representing good fortune such as luck, prosperity, wealth and long life. 

Given the intrinsic connection between animals and art in China, it is little wonder that animals are also the inspiration of modern works, such as these stunning paintings by Li Fuyuan.  Mr Li uses brush painting techniques with stunning effects.  His works are full of bold, contrasting colours and elements that compose a visual melody of a fantastically cacophonous world.  The abstract shapes work together to form the images of animals that are at once incorporated into a dramatic landscape but yet burst out from the background to stare at the audience with as much interest and curiosity as the inquisitive humans eyes on the other side of the glazed frames.

Art critic and Fellow at the China Academy of Arts, Zhai Mo, commented, “The dark coloured birds, fishes and animals came alive under his brush one after another.  To be bold and yet in control when creating, finding balance and calmness when emotions run wild is the hallmark of a great artist.” 

The Museum of East Asian Art is pleased to host this visually stunning exhibition that will enchant visitors young and old. 



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