Li Pingfan (1922——2011) formerly known as Li Wenkun was born in Tianjin, China's famous artist of engraving. He has studied Western painting. He started woodcut creation when Mr. Lu Xun advocated new engraving in 1937. He went to Japan to learn watermark engraving techniques and created Chinese new collective printmaking Association in Kobe and served as president. He served as editor in People's Fine Arts Publishing House after 1950, consultant of the Japan International Engraving Research Association, national director of the Sino——Japanese Friendship Association. Because of long——term commitment to the promotion and creation of watermark engraving and his enthusiastic on Sino——Japanese art communication, he was rewarded Japan——China Arts Communication Contribution Award in 1987.
The early works of Li Pingfan mainly showed the hardships of working class life to express anger and injustice in his heart. After 1950s, his works turned to mainly on praise of peace, depicting a happy life and he created a lot of child——theme painting works. The children of the different skin colors, different nationalities in his works are vivid, lively and lovely. The children’s pure and bright eyes show yearning and love for a happy and better world. His works are fresh and simple with clear style, flowing lines, bright colors. They are rich in decorative taste.
In January 2004, Li Pingfan donated individual works and the individual possession of Japanese engravings to National Art Museum of China and other total 1648 literatures. The commemorative exhibition displays some engravings of collection and fine arts diary to express our deep nostalgia gratitude to Mr. Li Pingfan.