Lee ChiMao
China, 1925-2019
Artist's works
Artist Profile
Introduction and Experience
Li Chi-mao (1925–2019), whose real name was Li Yun-tai, was born in Woyang, Anhui (now Lixin County). He came to Taiwan in 1949 and was an important representative of the first generation of Taiwanese ink painting after World War II. In his early years, he studied under Lu Huashi, laying the foundation for traditional brush and ink techniques with the "Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting". Later, he received formal training in sketching and modeling, and his figure paintings were precise and vivid. In 1962, he participated in the National Horse Exhibition at the National Museum of History, stunning the art world with his galloping horse subjects. From the 1960s to the 1970s, he represented Taiwan in international exhibitions many times, becoming an important symbol of art diplomacy.
His works are deeply rooted in Taiwan, focusing on the lives of ordinary people and local customs, transforming everyday figures and scenes into an emotionally resonant and contemporary ink painting language. His brushstrokes are bold and unrestrained, combining realism with expressive spirit, blending sketching structure with ink painting technique to create a groundbreaking personal style that truly interprets the beauty of Taiwanese sentiment. In 2003, he held the "Ink Touches the World, Taiwanese Sentiment—Li Qimao Painting Exhibition," which received widespread acclaim.
Lee Chi-mao dedicated himself to art education and cultural promotion for many years, teaching at numerous universities both domestically and internationally, nurturing countless young talents. In 1970, he named his study "Caifeng Hall," aspiring to record the spirit of the times through art. In 1991, he initiated cross-strait art exchanges, and in 2012, he established the Lee Chi-mao Art Museum. His artistic achievements are internationally renowned, leaving a profound example for the development of Taiwanese ink painting and cultural inheritance.
Exhibitions and Awards
Exhibition experience
"A Grand Exploration of Li Chi-mao's Ink Painting Centennial Exhibition," Soka Museum of Art, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 2025.
"Li Chi-mao Centennial Exhibition" 2025, National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan
"Wandering and Contemplating, Form Transforms at Will: Li Qimao Ink and Sketch Exhibition," 2025, Ke Xijie Image Museum, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan.
"Communicating with the Divine through the Brush: A Centennial Commemorative Exhibition of Lee Chi-Mao" 2025, Lee Chi-Mao Art Museum, National Quemoy University, Kinmen, Taiwan
"Memories and Yearning – An Exhibition of Lee Chi-Mao's Friends and Mentors" will be held in 2025 at the International Exhibition Hall, National Taiwan University of Arts, Taipei, Taiwan.
"Ink and Poetry, Spirit and Elegance—A Joint Exhibition of Li Qimao, Ou Haonian, and Yang Yingfeng," Ke Xijie Image Museum, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2024.
"Talking Left and Right - Li Qimao's Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition," 2013, Yu-Chang Art Museum, National Taiwan University of Arts, Taipei, Taiwan.
"Li Chi-Mao Grand Exhibition," 2012, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
"Ink Touches of Humanity, Taiwan's Sentiments—Li Chi-Mao Art Exhibition," 2003, Soka Gakkai Yancheng Cultural Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Solo exhibition, 1991, Shanghai, China
1962 National Horse Show, National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan
International touring exhibition from 1960 to 1970, in the United States, Spain, Italy, France, Japan, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Award-winning experience
2001 Wenxin Gold Award, Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, Taiwan
In 1987, San Francisco, USA, designated November 29th as Lee Chi-Mao Day, making him the first Chinese person to be honored on that day.
1982 "7th National Arts Award Special Fine Arts Award", National Arts Award Foundation, Taiwan
1973 Cultural Contribution Award, Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Education, Taiwan
1966 "10th China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Art Award", China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Taiwan
1966, 2nd Sun Yat-sen Academic and Cultural Creative Art Award, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taiwan
1962, 5th National Art Exhibition, Gold Medal, Taiwan