“Prometheus in Printmaking” – Exhibition for Chinese titan of the art form
By Li Qiong
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Artist Li Hua is considered one of the most important pioneers in contemporary printmaking in China. The Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing is holding an exhibition to mark the 110th anniversary of his birth.
The exhibition includes Li Hua’s most important artworks of different periods, including the one considered to be his best, the “Raging Tide” series.
Li donated all his prints and the original woodcuts to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he worked for decades. And this is the first time the woodcuts are on show to the public. 
 Li Hua’s Woodcut work /CGTN Photo

 Li Hua’s Woodcut work /CGTN Photo

Li Hua studied art in Japan in his 20s and came back to China when the Japanese invasion started. Li joined the army in the war of resistance and experienced every pain and struggle of the Chinese people.  All this found its way into his woodcuts.
"The 1930s was a special time in Chinese history,” said Zhang Zikang, director of the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum. “And Li Hua’s artworks were a powerful reflection of the Chinese people’s resistance against the Japanese invasion and their fight for a bright future. As an artist and soldier, he tried his best to speak through his woodcuts.”
 Li Hua’s painting /CGTN Photo

 Li Hua’s painting /CGTN Photo

Li Hua was among the first group of printmaking artists in China. He brought in western techniques to express the stories and feelings of the Chinese people. He was considered one of the best Chinese engraving artists of his time. The exhibition “Prometheus in Printmaking” runs through the end of February.