Legendary Birds: Oil Paintings by Li Rui presents in Thailand and Southeast Asia for the first time the works by Li Rui, one of China’s most promising young artists. Li Rui was born in 1984 in Shanxi (山西) and graduated both Bachelor’s (2005) and Master’s of Fine Arts (2008) degree in oil painting from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing ( CAFA), China’s most prestigious art academy.
A young man from a family of devoted academic background in history, Li Rui was fascinated by archaeology and natural history. He spent time in history museums studying and painting from the finds of archeological diggings (rare stones, archaic jades, and tomb findings) and ultimately found his voice through the paintings of specimens of birds and eggs. At the Central Academy of Fine Arts, he studied with one of China’s most respected teachers in the field of oil paintings and an internationally renowned artist Liu Xiaodong. Liu Xiaodong paid one of the highest compliments for Li Rui’s work – that Li Rui’s paintings do not resemble his style at all. Li Rui has accomplished mature brush techniques and was able to find his own style, showing his exemplary classical skills as well as contemporary concepts of his work.
Birds, eggs, archaeology and natural history, and life and spirits all combined in the uniqueness of Li Rui’s work. Working from specimens in natural history museums as well as field observance and photography, Li Rui’s work goes beyond realism and explores of life’s relationship with nature. Birds, especially the owls, have been brought to new meanings in recent years by modern pop culture and movies. Perhaps we could say Li Rui is also a “wizard” — a gifted painter who captures the character and delightful spirit of the owls. In his exploration of the owls’ nature, he expresses their love, devotion to family, loneliness, and most of all dignity in their existence. The owls in Confucianism imply life’s continuation via bloodlines — descendents and filial peity. With reference to archaeology, in the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC), China’s golden age of bronze wares, owls were depicted on wine vessels for rituals and celebrations and also on carved jades. They are one of the most important and rarest motifs to have been found.
Li Rui excels in his majesty of composition and oil painting techniques. His concepts show the power of using “modeling” or “specimen” that goes beyond mere paintings of figures. His executions are delicate and detailed. The hallmark of his work lies in the spiritual outcome of each painting — the rebirth of the body and the awakening of the soul — through spirit animals and nature. With a hint of perfection, his paintings come alive on its own, conveying the essence of the subjects being portrayed.
With Li Rui’s Legendary Birds, Serindia Gallery also celebrates the history of its gallery location — the historic house of the late Dr. Boonsong Lekagul (บุญส่ง เลขะกุล, Thailand’s author of Guide to the Birds of Thailand and former location of Thailand’s Office of Wildlife Conservation (สมาคมนิยมไพร). This exhibition includes Li Rui’s “Memories” series featuring owls and eagles, which are shown together here for the first time, and selections of the “Nest” series, featuring paintings of stunning birds’ eggs, are equally amazing. This exhibition is a visual treat and a showcase of one of China’s youngest and most promising talents.
Celebrate Serindia Gallery’s Spring series of paintings related to natural history and marvel at one of the best art exhibition venues in Bangkok. Legendary Birds: Oil Paintings by Li Rui starts Thursday 2 June and runs until 17 July 2011.
