Li Zhenxiao

Li Zhenshao, styled Xiangchun Xianren, was born in Meisuo Tun, a Li-family village by the Wenyu River in Beijing, and is now in his fifties. Influenced by his strict father from an early age, Zhenshao began practicing calligraphy. His brush brings orchids to bloom freely; his poems and essays, written with every stroke, exude fragrance. Zhenshao loves orchids, and orchids love Zhenshao—he and the orchid have become one. In 2000, Zhenshao founded a studio named “Yugu Yi Lan,” reflecting the character of a noble gentleman. “I am who I am—a humble commoner. I dare not hope to become a famous painter or calligrapher.” Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote: “The orchid’s fragrance drifts far, the hui grass leaves its roots fragrant.” One need not vie for spring’s splendor—life can be lived as a grass root! In October 2017, his work won the Excellent Award at the China-Australia “Two-City Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition” jointly hosted by Kaifeng Sotheby’s Cultural Development Center and the Australian Calligraphers Association. In December 2017, he was awarded the title of “Most Influential Artist of 2017” at the “Art Moves China” event organized by Henan Ten Thousand Art and Culture Center. In April 2018, he was rated as a Senior Member by the China International Modern Art Research Center. In June 2018, he was appointed as a “Calligraphy and Painting Art Expert” by the National Policy Think Tank Expert Committee of the China Industrial Cooperation Association. On October 10, 2018, he participated in the “Second National Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition: Remembering Our Original Aspirations and Keeping Our Mission Firmly in Mind,” held by the Dahe Calligraphy and Painting Gallery under Henan Ten Thousand Art and Culture Center, and won the Silver Award in Chinese painting. In July 2019, he received a Bronze Award at the exhibition jointly hosted by the China Artists Association, the China Calligraphers Association, and the Sino-Russian Friendship Art Museum, and his work was collected by the Sino-Russian Friendship Art Museum!