LI Chimao
China, 1925-2019
Artist's works
Artist Profile
Eagle
Night Market
Oxherding
Introduction and Experience
Li Chimao (1925–2019), born Li Yuntai in Anhui, was a pioneering figure of the first generation of postwar ink painters in Taiwan. After moving to Taiwan in 1949, he established a foundation in traditional brushwork through the Jieziyuan Huapu before receiving formal training in drawing and figure studies. His breakthrough came at the 1962 National Horse Exhibition, where his dynamic depictions of galloping horses brought him widespread acclaim. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he also represented Taiwan in numerous international exhibitions.
Rooted deeply in Taiwanese society, Li drew inspiration from everyday life, local customs, and ordinary people, transforming market scenes and village life into an expressive language of ink. His bold, vigorous brushwork combines the structural discipline of drawing with the spontaneous spirit of xieyi ink painting, creating a distinctive style marked by movement, vitality, and human warmth.
Beyond painting, Li devoted his life to art education and cultural exchange. Through his teaching and cultural initiatives, he nurtured generations of artists and contributed significantly to the development and lasting legacy of modern Taiwanese ink painting.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Solo and Retrospective Exhibitions
2025
Heroic Style: A Century of Li Chimao's Ink Painting —Soka Art Museum, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Li Chimao Centenary Exhibition —National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan
Rambling View and Inner Mind: Form Follows Intention — Li Chimao Ink Sketch Exhibition—Sheng-Chih Kuo Photography Museum, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
Connecting with the Divine Through the Brush: Li Chi-Mao Centenary Exhibition —Li Chimao Art Museum, National Quemoy University, Kinmen, Taiwan
Memories and Yearning: Li Chimao Teachers and Friends Exhibition —International Exhibition Hall, National Taiwan University of Arts (NTUA), Taipei, Taiwan
2013
Talking Left and Right: Li Chimao Painting and Calligraphy Creation Exhibition— Our Museum, National Taiwan University of Arts (NTUA), Taipei, Taiwan
2012
Li Chimao Grand Exhibition —National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
2003
Ink Dots in the Human World, Taiwanese Sentiments: Li Chimao Painting Exhibition —Yancheng Cultural Center, Taiwan Soka Association, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
1991
Li Chimao Solo Exhibition—Shanghai, China
1960 – 1970
International Solo & Touring Exhibitions—USA, Spain, Italy, France, Japan, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.
Group Exhibitions
2024
Ink Charm and Poetic Emotion: Elegant Resonance — Joint Exhibition of Li Chimao, Au Honien, and Yuyu Yang—Sheng-Chih Kuo Photography Museum, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
1962
National Horse Exhibition —National Museum of History, Taipei, Taiwan
Awards
2001
Gold Medal of the Cultural Award (Wen-Xin Award)—Council for Cultural Affairs, Executive Yuan, Taiwan
1987
Establishment of "Li Chimao Day" on November 29—Proclaimed by the City and County of San Francisco, USA (First Chinese recipient)
1982
7th National Award for Arts (Special Art Award)—National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF), Taiwan
1973
Cultural Contribution Award—Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Education, Taiwan
1966
10th China Writers and Artists Association Art Award—China Writers and Artists Association, Taiwan
2nd Sun Yat-sen Academic and Cultural Art Award—National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taiwan
1962
Gold Statue Award of the 5th National Fine Arts Exhibition—Taiwan
Collections
Museum and Institutional Collections
- National Museum of History—Taipei, Taiwan
- National Palace Museum—Taipei, Taiwan
- National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMOFA)—Taichung, Taiwan
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM)—Taipei, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts (KMFA)—Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Taitung Art Museum—Taitung, Taiwan
- National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall—Taipei, Taiwan
- National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall—Taipei, Taiwan
- Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan)—Taipei, Taiwan
- Li Chimao Digital Art Museum
- Museum Paul Delvaux—Koksijde, Belgium
Private Collections
- Works are held in private collections in Taiwan, China, and worldwide.
- Royal Family of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Royal Family of the Kingdom of Bahrain