Da Kuan (大款) is a common social phenomenon in China in almost all cities, big or small. This acknowledged term is used to describe a group of noveau-riche who has made it up the social ladder financially yet handicapped in social etiquette and attire. Da Kuan sounds like or may be has its origin from the English word “tycoon” but takes on a playful twist.

Equally playful Li Yibing has summarized the traits of these tycoons and visualized them on canvases. To highlight and amplify their oddity, he has used strong and vibrant colours to draw the viewers’ attention to some of the daring ventures that these tycoons are involving.

In his earlier series, Meditation, Li explores the numb sense of optimism that common people like us escape to in order to fend off the unrelenting pressure of everyday life. He uses the imageries to instill a tranquil moment of relief.

In the Tycoon series, all his characters seem deep in their thoughts probably on how to make it bigger economically. Eyes wide opened they pierce at the reality of life. These tycoons who appear at a loss are in fact in optimum physical and mental alert, a condition that we indeed desperately need these days.

Li lives and works in Song Zhuang, the artists’ enclave in the suburban Beijing.

The Tycoon exhibition is to open on May 10th, 2012 at Art Beatus Hong Kong.
For further information or interview with the artist, you can contact us at
dyiu@artbeatus.com.hk
Dominic Chan
2522-1138
Josephine Hau
2526-0818.