Xiang Li’s Fusion of Fire and Water in Chinese Imperial Art Seen at Worcester State University’s Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery

September 9, 2024 · Fei Wu

Xiang Li has submitted a captivating collection of works for Worcester State University’s “Fire and Water” exhibition at the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery. With a career spanning over six decades, Li’s expertise in watercolor painting, particularly on silk, shines through in her submissions that beautifully encapsulate the exhibition’s theme. Please be sure to stop by and visit the show before October 5, 2024. Admission is free during gallery hours W-F: 11am – 5pm, SAT: 1PM – 5PM.

The Artist’s Journey

Xiang Li’s artistic journey is as rich and vibrant as her paintings. For over 60 years, she has honed her craft, with 37 of those years spent at the Forbidden City in Beijing. There, she worked as both a restoration artist and a creative watercolorist, developing a deep understanding of traditional Chinese art techniques and symbolism

Unique Artistic Process

Li’s process is as fascinating as it is unique. She exclusively uses silk as her canvas, a medium that demands precision and skill. Her palette consists of professional watercolors and gemstone pigments from China, also known as precious stone colors. These mineral pigments not only create luminous effects but also ensure the longevity of her artwork, making them ideal for preservation.

The Fire and Water Connection

The “Fire and Water” theme resonates deeply with Li’s work, particularly in her Chinese Empresses collection. These elements serve as powerful metaphors in her paintings:

Water as Medium

Water is the foundation of Li’s artistic expression. She describes it as “clean, expressive and sophisticated unlike any other.” The fluidity of watercolors allows her to capture the intricate patterns, textures, and abstract forms found in nature, particularly in precious stones.

Fire as Symbol

Fire plays a crucial symbolic role in Li’s paintings. In the context of Chinese imperial history, fire represents the dynamic shifts of power. It symbolizes:

The struggle between the powerful and the powerless
The contrast between the rich and the poor
The complex relationships between men and women in imperial China

Mythical Creatures and Elemental Symbolism

Li’s paintings often feature dragons and phoenixes, mythical creatures deeply rooted in Chinese culture. These beings serve as a bridge between the fire and water themes:

Dragons: Often depicted as fire-breathing creatures, dragons in Chinese mythology embody power and ferocity. Their fiery breath is a manifestation of their strength and dominance.

Phoenixes: Associated with fire, the phoenix symbolizes renewal and rebirth. In some of Li’s works, dragons are portrayed as “fire nymphs” or in conjunction with phoenixes, emphasizing the transformative and purifying nature of fire.

You might also like this blog post written by Tripti Gore Chandorkar: A Comprehensive Guide to Mythical Creatures in Chinese Paintings

The Chinese Empress Series

For the “Fire and Water” exhibition, Li has submitted several pieces from her Chinese Empresses collection. Each painting tells a story of power, beauty, and the delicate balance between opposing forces:

**Northern Song (End Period) Dynasty Empresses**: A grand piece measuring 108 x 70 inches, this painting likely depicts the opulence and complexity of imperial life during one of China’s most culturally rich periods.

**Ming Dynasty (Early Period) Empresses**: At 50 x 70 inches, this work showcases the early Ming era, known for its restoration of Chinese rule after Mongol dominance.

**Ming Dynasty (Middle Period) Empresses**: Another 50 x 70 inch piece, this painting likely reflects the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty’s golden age before the turbulence of its political stability.

**Empress Luo Shen**: Measuring 40 x 70 inches, this piece may depict the legendary Luo Shen, also known as the Goddess of the Luo River, blending mythology with imperial themes.

**Empress Dowager Cixi**: At 27 x 36.5 inches, this smaller but no less impactful work likely portrays one of the most powerful women in Chinese history, known for her political acumen and artistic patronage.

A Timeless Artistic Vision

Xiang Li’s submissions to the “Fire and Water” exhibition demonstrate her mastery of watercolor techniques and her deep understanding of Chinese history and symbolism. By using water as her primary medium and incorporating fire through symbolic elements, Li creates a harmonious balance between these opposing forces.

Her work not only showcases the technical skill acquired over decades of practice but also offers viewers a window into the complex world of Chinese imperial history. Through her brushstrokes, Li brings to life the stories of empresses, the mythical creatures of Chinese lore, and the eternal dance between power and vulnerability.

As visitors to the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery will discover, Xiang Li’s art is more than just a visual feast. It’s a profound exploration of Chinese culture, a meditation on the nature of power, and a testament to the enduring allure of fire and water in art and life.

The Opening Reception

Our heartfelt appreciation for the gallery’s director and curator, Stacey Parker and Brad Chapman who have been so supportive and loving throughout the process. The opening reception was very successful where Xiang Li was able to meet and speak with so many artists and art enthusiasts.