The Noiseless Place: Li & Li at Flinders Street Gallery

Established Sydney-Based artist and UNSW Art & Design graduate, Dr Li Wenmin, presents her latest work done both independently and in collaboration with her award-winning father and China-based artist, Professor Li Wei.

For the first time in the careers of both father and daughter, Li and Li, have endeavored to explore the creative terrain and the many influences that have impacted on the life of the other.   

Hailing from the North of China, both father and daughter were trained in traditional rigorous techniques.  However, after graduating top of her class at Lu Xun Academy of Fine Art, Li (the younger) set out to deepen her understanding of the artistic practices of the West.  She moved to Australia and undertook both a Master degree and PhD in fine art at UNSW Art & Design.  Her father meanwhile continued teaching and painting in his home city, Changchun.  

After years of discussing the possibility of a joint exhibition in China or Australia it has finally come to pass.  Opening this Thursday (Feb 9, 6-8pm) at Sydney’s Flinders Street Gallery Li and Li present The Noiseless Place, referencing the work of influential Chinese brush-stroke painter, Qi Baishi. 

Li (the younger) says the title of the show is symbolic and ironic. It demonstrates the united fundamental influences on both artists of country of birth, cultural background, and familial links.  It also however references their differences.   “In fact, this collaborative project,” explains Li (the younger), “could not be noiseless at all when two artists with so many differences, namely age, gender, education and art training, life experience, temperament, interest, and personality, decided to work on the same paper. Each piece was a combination of challenge, confrontation, compromise, and discussion. But in the end, noise became harmony; differences became contribution; confrontation became understanding. It is in this noiseless space, we are able to hear trust and respect, love and courage, ourselves and the world."