Li Lei: Poetic Abstraction

About

3812 Gallery presents Poetic Abstraction, a solo exhibition by Shanghai-based artist Li Leion view from 14th November 2019 to 18th January 2020, along with a series of academic forums and talks in collaboration with Royal Drawing School and Unicorn Publishing.

In his poetic abstraction, Li Lei conveys his inner feelings through abstract images; in his paintings, no distinct forms can be identified. His brushstrokes layout landscapes layer by layer, and, through the building of colour,he allows colour and brush reciprocity to reach a kind of tacitunderstanding, with no trace of conflict between them. 

Li Lei’s diptych series Calm Contemplationis new to the market and will be shown for the first time in the UK. The dualistic presentation of two paintings in a diptych conveys multi-layered meanings: the juxtaposition between the expressionistic composition with boldly contrasted colours and the expanse of meditative colour fields with subtle gradation creates tension between the emotional and the rational, and the material and the spiritual.

 “We are thrilled to present Li Lei in our parallel exhibitions in our galleries in London and Hong Kong simultaneously. Our aim is to introduce Eastern aesthetic and cultural understanding to the global audience through contemporary art, and, through our annual art programme. We are committed to fostering a cultural dialogue between the East and West. As an important addition to the roster of artists of 3812 Gallery, Li Lei will feature his masterpieces ‘Eastern Origin with Contemporary Expression’ in his London and Hong Kong exhibitions.”

 “We are also honoured to collaborate with Royal Drawing School and Unicorn Publishing* through an artist fellowship program and academic talk. 3812 Gallery will also co-host with Royal Drawing School an evening of painting, poetry, music, wine tasting and menu paring inspired by Li Lei’s Poetic Abstraction in London to celebrate Li Lei’s first solo exhibition in the U.K. opening on 14thNovember.”

- Calvin Hui, Co-founder and Artistic Director of 3812 Gallery

 Sir Charles Saumarez Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Drawing School said, “We are proud to invite Li Lei to the Royal Drawing School in London and to participate in a fellowship program which will foster the artistic exchange between China and the U.K. through the medium of drawing. From his sketches and drawings to the latest release of the Poetic Abstraction paintings, the fellowship program may offer a unique occasion for our U.K. students and artists to gain a brand-new perspective on Chinese contemporary art.”