Retrospective exhibition traces Li Xiaoke's artistic journey

A retrospective art exhibition titled "Distant Horizons · Traveler: The Footsteps of Li Xiaoke" opened on April 20 at the Fangzhuang Culture and Art Center in Beijing, serving as a tribute to the late artist Li Xiaoke.

Liu Ying, chairperson of the Li Keran Art Foundation, speaks at the opening of the "Distant Horizons · Traveler: The Footsteps of Li Xiaoke" exhibition at the Fangzhuang Culture and Art Center in Beijing, April 20, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Li Keran Art Foundation]

The event drew many veteran artists from the Beijing Fine Art Academy and wider creative circles to reflect on a legacy defined by Li's lifelong devotion to portraying the landscapes of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

Li Xiaoke, the son of the legendary Chinese painter Li Keran (1907-1989), developed a creative style that moved beyond his family's traditions. He visited the "Roof of the World" 34 times, capturing the beauty of the terrain and its people through his unique artistic perspective.

At the opening, Liu Ying, the artist's widow and chairperson of the Li Keran Art Foundation, described how the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau evolved from a geographic destination into Li's "second home." It was within this high-altitude landscape that Li found inspiration for his acclaimed works, blending traditional Chinese ink-wash with modern, structural printing techniques.

Ink paintings of Xizang's landscapes by Li Xiaoke on display at the Fangzhuang Culture and Art Center in Beijing, April 20, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Li Keran Art Foundation]

The exhibition showcases Li's mastery across diverse mediums including ink painting, printmaking and photography. A documentary screened at the site also chronicles his arduous travels. Attendees noted that Li's work reaffirms the idea that authentic art must be rooted in direct life experience. 

Organized by the Li Keran Art Foundation, the exhibition will remain open to the public through June 21.

An ink painting of Xizang's landscape by Li Xiaoke is showcased at the Fangzhuang Culture and Art Center in Beijing, April 20, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Li Keran Art Foundation]