Entering the World

2007

Bronze, edition no. 8/8

29(L) x 30.5(W) x 63(H) cm

Engraved Li Chen in Chinese and English, numbered 8/8 and dated 2007

Estimate
480,000 - 900,000
1,850,000 - 3,470,000
61,100 - 114,600
Sold Price
780,000
3,000,000
100,515

Ravenel Spring Auction 2012 Hong Kong

050

LI Chen (Taiwanese, b. 1963)

Entering the World


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ILLUSTRATED:


Li Chen in 52nd Venice Biennale - Energy of Emptiness, Venice, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2007, color illustrated, p. 204

Li Chen: In Search of Spiritual Space, 2008 Solo Exhibition at National Art Museum of China, Asia Art Center, Taipei, 2008, color illustrated, p. 184 & p.199

Catalogue Note:

"Entering the World," which was created in 2007, explores the meaning of the coming of life into this world. Why are we here? And why do we leave? Li Chen uses the image of a Buddha or Bodhisattva to hint at reincarnation, suggesting that all the changes that happen in the universe, and the process of birth and death in human existence, along with all other phenomena, are determined by fate or karma. However, in contrast to the serene, imposing Buddha figure, Li Chen also, and quite deliberately, emphasizes the importance of entering and existing in this world; as he sees it, the process whereby life continues to exist in this world (and through which we enter the world) is itself of immeasurable value. The innocent baby represents the striving of human beings in this world for the ultimate; the use of gold coloration for the baby points up the perfection of this ideal state. By placing the wriggling, adorable baby in the arms of the quiescent Buddha, a contrast is created between "fate" and "entering the world."


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