Gate series No.6

Gate series No.6 (1993) by Li Xinhui

Mixed media on canvas, 1m x 1m

Collector: Sallie Beaumont

This is No.6 in the Gate series of which there are 14 in total. No.6 reveals some red and green patches of colour under the top layers as shown in the section of the painting above. I particularly like the figure at the bottom of this section who seems to performing a glorious leap in the air, almost like a flying karate kick. The one above to the right appears to be reaching for the stars. I simply love this work.

Xinhui recently sent me some words about his Gates series and this is what he said:

"Regarding the inspiration for the Gate series, most of my creations start with images that flash though my mind, that tumble, change, interpret and develop, like a film without a plot. Some of these fragments and images recur and draw me to present them in any way I can, I call this way of creating a visual way of thinking. It is a difficult task for me to name my works. I sometimes refer to the Gate (or Door) series as the People series, because the whole series is made up of works with different colour backgrounds against which individuals with different emotional states face, or turn their backs or sides to a darkened door that leads to the past, to the future and to the present. As for the materials of the works, I used plaster, hemp, glue, oil, colour powder, stones, earth and even my cigarette butts to experiment with the transformation of matter."

For more about this series and the artist, see the descriptions for the previous two works in this virtual gallery.

Sallie Beaumont

(Sallie Beaumont lived, studied and worked in China from 1988-1998 which gave her the perfect opportunity to witness and engage with the burgeoning contemporary art scene.)