In Conversation with Li Qian: The Significance of Portrait Painting

Chinese portrait painter Li Qian’s classically staged tableau paintings are renowned for their astute portrayals of the individual which tell a story about the experience of being part of a collective. Inspiring a sense of civic pride and shared accomplishments.

In conversation with Gao Yi, Professor Li will share insights into his practice as a portrait painter with a presentation of significant works throughout his career including his signature works: The Party Branch is Built Upstairs—A Documentary of Party Building Life in Shanghai Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone, Light Ahead—The Seventh National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Sparks in the Reeds, and Workers are the "Heaven".

An award-winning artist, Li’s work is held in the collections of the National Art Museum of China, Museum of the Communist Party of China, China Oil Painting Art Museum, Shanghai Art Museum, Shandong Art Museum.

The event will be conducted in Mandarin.

Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Time: 6.30 - 7.45pm
Venue: Miller Theater, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

Event Rundown:
6:00 p.m. Registration Opens
6:30 p.m. Opening Remarks
6:35 p.m. Presentation
6:55 p.m. Audience Q&A
7:45 p.m. Program Ends

About the Artist:
Professor Li Qian was born in Shandong in 1964. He is currently a member of the China Artists Association, Executive Director of the Shanghai Artists Association, Director of the Oil Painting Art Committee, a member of the Shanghai Arts Professional Degree Graduate Education Steering Committee, and a Professor in the Stage Design Department at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

The artist has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronze Award, 10th National Art Exhibition; the Excellent Work Award and the Magnolia Award for Fine Art at the 11th and 12th Shanghai Art Exhibitions. The Gold Award at the 14th National Art Exhibition, which also earned him the Fourth China Art Award.

The artist lives and works in Shanghai.

About the Moderator:
Yi Gao is Hong Kong-based independent arts consultant and educator, who specializes in curating educational experiences related to art appreciation and the art market. Yi also advises on art historical, commercial, practical and legal aspects of collecting and collection management.

From 2018 to 2025, Yi developed and led over 300 bespoke educational events, public programs, large scale conferences and art tours at Christie’s Education Asia. Covering Chinese and Western art, luxury, as well as art market, art law and collection management, these programs are renowned for inspiring emerging collectors and second-generation collection guardians on their collecting journeys, as well as for guiding art enthusiasts, young professionals and the general public into the art world.

Yi is a qualified attorney licensed to practice in New York and practiced corporate and capital markets law at the global law firm of Kirkland & Ellis. She holds a B.A. in Law from Beijing Foreign Studies University and L.L.M. from New York University School of Law. She also holds an M.A. in Art, Law and Business, awarded jointly by Christie’s Education London and University of Glasgow College of Arts. Yi has studied and worked in Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Washington D.C. and London, and is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

The event is organised by Asia Society Hong Kong Centre in association with Strategic Partner Chao Lee Art Foundation.

Tickets:
ASHK Members: $100
Non-members: $150
Student: $80