Li Geng - Modern Chinese Classical Figure Painting (Masterpieces Collection. Li Geng)

Author: Li Guiyuan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Li Geng (1885-1964), styled Yanong, styled Yiqin Daoren, styled Damao Shanren, and titled Cai Gen Jing She. He was a native of Xianyou County, Fujian Province, and served as the Vice President of the Fujian Provincial Association of Fine Arts, a member of the Fujian Provincial Committee, and a Historian of the Provincial Academy during his lifetime. He was skilled in classical figure painting, landscape painting, flower-and-bird painting, and was also proficient in calligraphy, poetry, seal carving, sculpture, and the lute. His paintings were powerful and unrestrained, forming the "Li Geng Painting School." He was known as "Li of the South" alongside "Qi of the North." In 1925, his works such as Maitreya Buddha participated in the "Southeast Five Provinces Painting Exhibition" and were highly praised as excellent. That same year, he co-founded the Longzhu Painting Society, the first art organization in modern Fujian history, with renowned calligraphers and painters Li Xia and Chen Zifeng in Fuzhou. In 1928, his works such as Maitreya Buddha, Su Dongpo with Straw Hat, and Rainy Afternoon Returning by Boat were highly praised as excellent in the Sino-French Painting Exhibition. Xu Beihong wrote a review in Shanghai Daily, stating: "Among those who excel in the unconventional and bold, Li Geng stands out. His brushwork is unrestrained, tracing the footsteps of the eccentric Yi Piao, a talent unmatched in Central China." In 1959, the Li Geng National Painting Research Institute was established, and he served as its mentor, training a large number of national painting talents. That same year, he painted massive screen paintings such as Pine and Crane in the East, Pine and Crane with Longevity for the VIP Hall of the Great Hall of the People. He held multiple exhibitions of Li Geng's works in Beijing, Shanghai, Fuzhou, and other cities. He published works such as Li Geng Painting Collection, Painters of Xianyou, Li Geng Painting Catalogue, and Five Hundred Arhats in various collections. During his lifetime, he donated 320 of his long-cherished works to the nation. In 2001, his work Spring Night Banquet in Peach Blossom Garden was selected for the Centennial Chinese Painting Exhibition and featured in the Centennial Chinese Painting Collection: Selection of 20 Outstanding Figure Paintings. It was also collected by the National Art Museum of China. His work Daruma was collected by the Palace Museum. Cai RuoHong praised him, stating: "Li Geng is the foremost master in China's painting world, with unique techniques and a distinct style. Li Geng's art is a national treasure and a shining light in the art world." To promote the classical figure painting art of Mr. Li Geng, over 100 surviving works scattered among the public (including overseas) have been selected for publication. Some of these works may not be representative, but they offer a glimpse into his artistic style during different periods, aiming to provide reference material for experts and art enthusiasts. This book primarily collects the modern classical figure paintings of Li Geng.