Harmonies brings together a selection of figurative and landscape paintings by Guanting Li, inspired by both Chinese and Western art traditions and experiences. Showing at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art throughout April and May 2025, these atmospheric paintings, from large scale scrolls to more intimate artworks, ask the viewer to quietly consider and contemplate the depictions of transcendent harmony. Preview the artworks and download the illustraed catalogue on our website www.diggins.com.au
Guanting Li’s art is anchored in the history and traditions of Chinese painting with an elegant use of calligraphic line. His paintings celebrate the majesty and beauty of nature. Moving to Australia over 20 years ago, the impact of the bushland surrounding his studio in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne inspiring more gestural brushwork and a freer use of colour.
Li expresses the aim of his painting is to “convey a sense of life’s energy” and to capture the joy that he finds in the beauty of nature. Humans are depicted in commune with each other or with nature, often mere spectators, small scale figures against the grandeur of mountains and waterfalls. Other works celebrate flora and fauna in a more straightforward style, birds sheltering together in a shrub; koalas on a branch; flowers in a vase; the rich colour of autumn leaves; streams running over rocks; delicate lotus petals – perceptive observations of the harmonious beauty of landscape.
The artworks in the exhibition are a harmonious fusion of east and west; of the traditional and contemporary; of calligraphic black line and colour, both subtle and strong; a mix of quietness and the sublime. These strands all come together in Mr Li’s painting, in a scale of harmonies.
Nearly 40 paintings on display throughout April and May at LAURAINE DIGGINS FINE ART in North Caulfield.
Preview the exhibition and download the illustrated catalogue on our wesbite www.diggins.com.au
Image captions:
Guanting Li: Harmonies art exhibition installation view at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art
Gaunting Li Mountain Hikingn 2015 colour ink on rice paper 66 x 135 cm
Guanting Li Visiting Friends with Guqin 2016 colour ink on rice paper on scroll 147 x 123 cm
Guanting Li Everlasting Flow 2023 color ink on rice paper 94 x 164 cm
Guanting Li Koalas 2016 black ink on rice paper 134 x 67 cm
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