Li Qun（1912-2012）, former Hao Lichun, comes from Lingshi, Shanxi and is a famous Chinese print-maker. He was admitted to Hangzhou National Art College in 1931. In 1933, he took part in the organization of “Muling Woodcut Research Society”, and joined Chinese Left-wing Artists Federation. He served as a teacher at Department of Art of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in 1940. In 1942, he attended the Yan'an Forum on Literature and Art. After the new China was founded, he served successively as a member of leading Party group of Chinese Artists Association, secretary of the Secretariat, associate editor of Art, chief editor of Print, vice president of Chinese Print-makers Association and won “Award of Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Emerging Prints”.

The artistic career of Mr Li Qun ran through the whole development of Chinese art in the 20th century with distinctive artistic features and abundant accomplishments. Under the influence of Lu Xun in his early years, he used woodcut as a weapon to reveal the dark aspect of the society, reflect hardships of the people and create elaborate, lively and clean-cut artistic works. During the period of anti-Japanese war, he went to Yan’an, which laid his creative foundation loyal to life and serving people. He created a great number of influential prints with simple artistic language. After the new China was founded, he actively explored national print style that met popular aesthetic needs. His works were simple and bright, rich in ornamentation and lyricism.

In 2006 and 2008, Mr Li Qun donated 92 pieces of works to National Art Museum of China in twice. This donation shows the artist’s dedication to the nation and people throughout his life. The exhibition displays part of Li Qun’s prints collected by the National Art Museum of China to express our deep mourning for Mr Li Qun.