LI JIKAI

Li Jikai grew up in the era promoting "centering on economic development" in China. With the rapid changes in the material environment, people in 1970s were characterized as internally empty and spiritually hollow. As the maestro of oil paintings in 1970s, Li analyzed and interpreted his mind thoroughly. Different from other contemporary artists, when expressing his own feelings, Li portrays his psychological changes in a deeper level. Toys are friends of many people during their childhood, which also record their precious memories and growing paths. In Li's works, toys are animated with human characters so that they can fight against the world calmly and strongly.