Li Hongbo


Li Hongbo is a Chinese artist born in Jilin in 1974. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Jilin Normal University in 1996, Master of Fine Arts degree in Folk Art in 2001, MFA degree in Experimental Art in 2010, both from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. Li Hongbo is best known for his lifelike paper sculptures, made entirely out of paper and glue. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world.
Li's works have been exhibited internationally. Most recently, his works were displayed at Ludwigsburg Museum in Germany, the 18th Biennale of Sydney in Australia, and Klein Sun Gallery in New York. Li's first solo exhibit in North America titled Tools of Study at Klein Sun Gallery, received worldwide attention.
He now lives and works in Beijing, China.
Li Hongbo is represented by the Klein Sun Gallery in New York, NY.

Works

Li Hongbo's works are characterized by their unique media- paper and glue. Initially inspired by the idea of tradition and ubiquity that paper embodies, Li creates a hidden element of surprise in his paper sculptures that stretch in infinitely many ways. The static and emotionless state of the sculptures transform into unpredictable images, ultimately accentuating the difference between restriction and freedom.
Each bust comprises roughly 7,000 to 26,000 sheets of white paper stacked on top of each other. They are glued manually in a honeycomb structure, allowing the resulting sculptures complete flexibility and sturdiness.

Exhibition History

Solo Exhibitions
2014 "Tools of Study," Klein Sun Gallery, New York, NY
2013 "Li Hongbo - Out of Paper," Kunstverein Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
2012 “Self,” Schoeni Art Gallery, Hong Kong
2012 “A Tree,” Mizuma & One Gallery, Beijing, China
2011 “The World – Li Hongbo New Works Exhibition,” Found Museum, Beijing, China; Modern Art Gallery, Taichung, Taiwan
;Selected Group Exhibitions

2013