Fire and Desire XVI

J. Li’s work is deeply influenced by Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophy theory, Zen and Daoism. The theme of art work is to discover human’s inner self and human salvation. Desire is the power of life instinct. It’s like a fire, more like wildfire or volcano eruption. The fire of desire, which constantly arises, also continue to change with the environment expand. Fire and Desire describes and expresses that the fire of desire is a driving force of life, but it could be the source of destruction too.

J. Li primarily works with watercolor. Yet, as visible in artworks from her collections, she challenges the conventional views of this medium. In her paintings, the medium is not so transparent, not so spontaneous in some parts, and not so ‘watercolor’ anymore. The brush strokes are delicate, sensitive and sharp; the essence of Chinese calligraphy is reflected in her watercolor works.