Li Junzheng

Creative Inspiration

Young artist Li Junzheng, a graduate of the Oil Painting Department of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, creates artworks characterized by vivid and profound colors, akin to the different sections of a symphony, each independent yet harmoniously resonating together. In his creative process, Li skillfully applies the visual principles of color field painting, boldly breaking free from the constraints of traditional color, pushing the tension and rhythm of color to its extreme. This results in visual impact and artistic shock. His works often use basic materials such as wood panels, acrylic paint, and utility knives, combining manual strength and delicate lines to construct a contrast between space and abstraction, aiming to explore the essence of art and the self. With meticulous brushstrokes, he captures nature’s fleeting moments, transforming the forms of mountains, rivers, and plants into reflections of the soul. Notably, the layering and shifting of hues in the wood panel, coupled with dynamic changes in tone and form, allows viewers to experience not only the visual beauty of the work but also a sense of the vastness of the universe and the rhythm of life.

Li’s creative language also reflects a philosophical meditation on nature, built through time, materials, and rational actions, generating works with depth and layers. Every stroke and line in his work carries the traces of time and the memory of materials, interwoven to form a unique visual effect. This act of "creation" starting from the act of painting is, in fact, a concrete expression of his understanding of natural laws and the universe. For instance, in his series "The Paradox of the Line's Memory," he begins with a random line and continues to arrange subsequent lines along the path of the previous one, attempting to find the memory of the line. During this repetitive process, various variables and uncontrollable factors alter the trajectory of new lines, making the search for the line's memory a paradox. The concept and Li’s ongoing act of painting automatically generate changes and rhythm in the images within the work. Expanding from this series, he has further explored new concepts and materials, such as in his "Blue" series, which experiments with new materials, and his "Untitled" and "Cortex" series, which explore spatial dimensions. In these explorations, he seeks to understand the potential for space, time, and conceptual intervention in painting. Here, space transcends physical boundaries, becoming a form of spiritual experience. Li Junzheng uses techniques such as bas-relief, light, shadow, and the transformation of thoughts to create a tense visual space, guiding the viewer to experience three-dimensional depth in the two-dimensional surface, while capturing the sense of emptiness and tranquility.

Nature and the universe are made up of countless elements that interact and influence one another, forming this complex and beautiful world. Similarly, Li Junzheng’s works are constructed through countless acts of painting and knife carving, each layer representing a new beginning, each mark encapsulating the power of time. When standing before his work, viewers not only see the surface colors and lines but also feel the time and effort embedded within. This empathetic process allows a deeper understanding of the ideas and emotions conveyed in the artwork. I believe that this "creation" derived from the act of painting has profound significance. It not only allows viewers to experience the beauty and strength of the work but also prompts reflection and insight into nature, the universe, and life. His art blends the charm of traditional Chinese art with contemporary abstract elements. Through the dialogue between lines and abstraction, Li demonstrates his keen insight and profound skill. Lines dance freely on his canvas—sometimes delicate as silk, other times bold and powerful. These lines intertwine with abstract forms, creating a transcendent atmosphere that sparks endless imagination. More importantly, Li Junzheng's art is not just a visual enjoyment; it is a deep exploration of humanity and life. Throughout his creative process, the relationship between body and soul is subtly depicted, serving as both an emotional outpouring and a unique insight into the human condition.

In conclusion, Li Junzheng’s artistic creation is a unique expression of his understanding of natural laws and the universe. Through colors, lines, and knife marks, he constructs a vibrant artistic world that offers a deep interpretation of nature, the cosmos, and space. It is a vivid practice of Eastern philosophy. He consistently emphasizes the direction of knife marks in his work, constantly exploring the infinite possibilities of covering and accumulation. Every stroke, every knife mark is a distinct understanding of color, a passionate interpretation—both a symphony of color fields and the release of emotions.