Xiang Li Art

Xiang Li worked as a professional artist at the Forbidden City, Beijing China for almost 37 years. It is the world’s largest palace that is famous for its art, architecture and royal history. Li grew up in an artistic family in Beijing. She discovered her interest in art at a very young age. Dong Shouping (董寿平), a very famous Chinese painter, was her childhood art teacher. After graduating from middle school, Li joined a cultural troop and worked on artistic design. During this period, she was rewarded several times for her excellent work. She was then transferred to the Beijing Forbidden City in 1974, specializing in reproduction of ancient Chinese paintings. In the past 20 years, many experts have spoken highly of Li’s artworks in the styles of the last five dynasties. Many of her works were in exhibitions in China and around the world. Li was promoted as the chairman of the Renovation Department of Ancient Arts in 1982 (reported in Guang Ming Daily 光明日报). Shortly after, Li became a consultant to the Great Wall Art Association, an organization dedicated to the ancient Chinese novel “The Dream of Red Chamber － 红楼梦”. From 1975 to 1985, Li successfully completed paintings of all 414 characters from “The Dream of Red Chamber” novel series. She is also known as the first person who ever completed this collection of artworks. Li appeared many times on the radio and on television, as well as in magazines and newspaper articles. She was named one of the “20 Most Talented People of China”. The Beijing Radio Station also made a special program dedicated to Li’s outstanding artistic talent. Recognized by the State, Li decided to donate the entire collection of “The Dream of Red Chamber” paintings to the Grand View Garden （大观园） in Beijing. Li’s artworks attract visitors from around the world every day. Xiang Li now resides and works from her home studio in Central Massachusetts, USA. She moved here to be closer to her daughter who also lives in Massachusetts.