Ink, colors and gold on paper, two hanging scrolls forming a diptych style composition of a warm serene abstract landscape, presented on navy blue silk mounting, each signed 薄云 Bo Yun together with artist's red seal to lower left side.

First scroll: DOA 67 1/2 x 14 in., Image size 53 x 11 in.
Second scroll: DOA 67 1/2 x 10 in., Image size 53 x 7 in.

Collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Leonard Woodcock

Purchased directly from the artist.

Born in China in 1948, Bo Yun (Li Yongcun), was a member of a group of young artists known as the "Stars", during China's democratic movements in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group made history by hanging their politically incorrect paintings and sculptures on the railings outside the China Art Gallery, where they were not allowed to exhibit. This act of defiance, the first unauthorized exhibition of Chinese art since 1949, provided an outlet for Chinese artists seeking to express themselves freely and set the stage for an era of liberation for future artists. During this first "Stars" exhibition, Li used the pseudonym Bo Yun to conceal his identity from the police and has kept it ever since.

Working in a variety of media, ink and colour on paper, oil on canvas, and lacquer on wood, Bo Yun often uses diptych or triptych formats for his compositions. His free and fluid style also shows the influence of Western Abstract Expressionism while respecting the ancient heritage of Chinese ink paining, exhibiting a dramatic energy which expresses a joy in nature and the spiritual essence of the landscape.

From the collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Leonard Woodcock. They lived in China from 1977 to 1981 and continued to visit frequently until 1996. Ambassador Woodcock negotiated normalization between the United States and China with leader Deng Xiaoping, and was then selected to be the first U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

Excellent condition.