Art Capturing Reality (形藝奪真) - Li Zong-lin (李宗霖) Woodcarving Solo Exhibition

Woodcarving artist Li Zong-lin (李宗霖) was born in Yunlin. At age 14, he apprenticed under Zhang Xian-liang (張賢亮) and formally entered the field of woodcarving, with over 50 years of experience to date. Having loved handcrafts and the image of Puppet Theater (布袋戲) since childhood, he now integrates childhood memories into his woodcarvings. In addition to artistic creation, he is dedicated to passing down woodcarving techniques to the next generation.
In 2020, Li Zong-lin was honored as a preserver of woodcarving techniques by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Chiayi City Government and served as the chairman of the Chiayi Woodcarving Association, promoting woodcarving art throughout his life. His creations carry the transformation of time and state of mind, and the expression and ideas of his works have changed accordingly, realizing that "simplicity" is the most profound power.
A total of 45 wonderful works are exhibited this time, presenting the artist's profound insights and creative achievements in woodcarving over half a century. Through each piece, the exhibition leads the audience to recall the simple and sincere interactions between people, which is also a return to the soul. This creative concept expresses the simple and authentic interactions between people while returning to the original sincerity and essence of creation.
Li Zong-lin's creative journey spans from traditional carving to modern craftsmanship, breaking out of existing frameworks and synthesizing the styles of various masters. Having luckily won awards, he transitioned from traditional Buddha altar decorative carving to his own creative path. His works sample everyday life, are full of Taiwanese rural charm, and demonstrate the local spirit.