Leo Gallery proudly announces the opening of ABSTRACT MELODY : Li Lei Solo Exhibition. At the forefront of China’s abstract art movement for over two decades, Li Lei’s work leaves a soft yet vibrant imprint on one’s mind. His seemingly effortless strokes have the effect of evoking a chorus of emotion. The solo exhibit will be on display from Friday, April 9th until Sunday, June 6th, 2010. Leo Gallery is pleased to invite you for the cocktail reception on Friday, April 9th from 5 to 7pm.

Li Lei approaches abstract painting as an exercise in meditation. In a recent interview, the artist explains, “There is an old saying -- one thing goes smoothly, everything goes smoothly…The course of painting is a process of communication with the universe and corresponding to the rules of the universe. The goal is for the artist to enter a state that enables his body and his heart to go free.”

Currently the Executive Director of the Shanghai Art Museum, Li Lei’s reputation as a leader in Shanghai’s contemporary art field has sometimes overshadowed his own artistic mastery. Formerly the Vice Executive Director of Shanghai Oil Painting and Sculpture Institute, Li Lei also serves as the Deputy President of Shanghai Youth Literature and Art League, Executive Council of China Artists Association, and a member of Shanghai Artists Association. Besides Beijing and Shanghai, the artist has had solo shows in New York, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

The artist’s publications include Shanghai Oil Painting Masters: Li Lei, published by Shanghai Bookstore Publishing House, Contemporary Artists of China---Li Lei: Poetic Abstract, published by Hebei Education Press, and Contemporary Artists of China Today---Li Lei: the Far Away and the Serene, published by Sichuan Fine Arts Press.