Li Shan

Artist Biography:

Li was born in Heilongjiang province in 1942, graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, and taught in the academy after his graduation.  In his early career, he was influenced by the works of Henri Rousseau, Gauguin and other western artists, paying close attention to actual living experience.  In the late 1970s, Li initiated a series entitled “In the Beginning.” As Li recalled, “I started that series in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when I first began painting in oils.  ‘In the Beginning’ represents my Expressionist period.  At the time I was also influenced by Primitivism.“ Drawing on the techniques of abstract expressionism, Li combined icons of ancient culture, primitive people and totemic symbols in his canvasses, imbuing them with a sense of mystery.