Li Chi-Mao

CHINA, Anhui, Woyang

Li Chi-Mao, also spelled Li Qimao, is a painter who began painting at the age of 9. He studied art at Fu Hsing Kang College in Taipei, Taiwan, where he later became a professor. He has also taught at a number of other prominent universities in Taiwan, Korea, and the United States, and is a member of numerous committees working to promote and preserve Chinese art.
Early on, Li was inspired by Liang Ding Ming and painted mainly portraits. In 1971, he was commissioned by the National Museum of History in Taiwan to create a series of Chinese ink-paintings of famous sages, legendary heroes, and historical figures such as Sun Yat Sen. Li employs a vigorous freehand painting technique to vividly illustrate everyday moments and scenes from Taiwanese life such as folk opera, night markets, teahouses, and local people. This technique, considered by many to be emblematic of the spirit of Chinese painting, involves thick, swift brush strokes used to simplify the subject and express its inner essence. His engaging works capture the charm of Taiwanese life.
A devout Buddhist, when Li married in 1950, the wedding was one of the first Buddhist wedding to be held in Taiwan and was witnessed and blessed by Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. Several works by Li are kept at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan including paintings of Amitayus Buddha, Bodhidharma, and Budai.