In an era of global change, art has long ceased to be the exclusive language of a few elites, becoming an increasingly important tool to connect different cultures and values in a global dialogue. Whether in New York’s Museum of Modern Art or in Parisian street graffiti, art is constantly expanding its boundaries. In Asia, this force is emerging in new forms, blending with daily life, challenging tradition, and even acting as a catalyst for economic and cultural progress.
Against this backdrop, “The Matriarch of Asian Artistic Craftsmanship” Hepburn Li has redefined the value and impact of art with bold innovation and a cross-disciplinary vision. Her works merge the toughness of the steel industry with the delicacy of art, transcending regional and cultural boundaries. Her creations are not just visual expressions but powerful forces that delve into life, inspiring a global audience.
“Art should be accessible. It should not just be a luxury hanging on the wall; it should be something that everyone can engage with and find their own value in,” Hepburn Li emphasized in an interview with《The Icons》. She further explained her core philosophy: “True art comes from life and returns to humanity. A successful artwork should not only emotionally resonate but also create a far-reaching cultural and economic impact.”
As a bestselling author and art collector, Hepburn Li has made significant strides in the art world. Her collection includes works by internationally renowned artists, such as sketches by Zhang Daqian, and she views these pieces as essential bridges for fostering art and cultural exchange. Hepburn Li’s book,“The Economics of Hepburn Li’s Art: Everyone Is an Artist, Yet Not Everyone Knows It”, offers a deep dive into the intersection of art and economy and introduces the concept of “Xianliu Art”. This term emphasizes that art is not just about creation but represents a fluid, value system that integrates into real-life situations.
“The value of art is not measured by its inaccessibility or its price tag but by whether it can inspire you to create, to think, and to change your perspective and way of life. The true power of art lies in its ability to awaken hearts and help people discover their inner potential and passion, finding extraordinary inspiration in ordinary life,” Hepburn Li elaborated.
From Steel to Art
Nine years ago, Hepburn Li entered the steel industry, a field completely unfamiliar to her. With no background in engineering, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and a passion for learning. In a highly competitive and declining market, she found her footing and gradually established herself. From knowing nothing about mechanical equipment to mastering the details of mechanical engineering, she used an extraordinary focus to solve technical problems and earned the trust of her colleagues and partners.
This experience not only honed Hepburn Li’s resilience but also cultivated her innovative thinking when facing difficulties. She often says, “If gears rust, they can’t move; life is the same and needs constant lubrication.” For her, that lubricant is art. Through color and brushstrokes, she transformed pressure into creative inspiration, producing works that reflect hope and resilience in life.
Remarkably, Hepburn Li transformed an ordinary factory into her creative base. Amidst the oil and metallic sheen, she captured the beauty of steel’s toughness and reinterpreted it with an artistic language. “Steel is not just the foundation of machinery; it can also be the soul of art,” she observed. By skillfully blending industrial strength with artistic delicacy, Hepburn Li created a bold yet harmonious style, becoming a distinctive hallmark of her artistic universe.
She often references the philosophy, “Experience is the Best Teacher,” viewing it as a cornerstone of success. “What does ‘Experience is the best teacher’ mean?” Hepburn Li explained, “It means you don’t need innate talent. By focusing on one thing and persevering, you will eventually become an expert in that field.” This belief not only guided her rise in the steel industry but also became the foundation of her artistic creation. She believes that just as each gear in a machine works in harmony after repeated adjustments, art too matures through constant experimentation and practice.
“Actually, steel and art are not that far apart. Steel is alive; the movement of each gear is a form of collaboration, just like completing a painting. If you observe carefully, every detail in the world has its artistic nature. This is my firm belief. As long as you continue to focus, ‘Experience is the Best Teacher’, art will eventually find its vitality.”
Everyone Is an Artist
Hepburn Li’s creative philosophy is profound and inspiring: “Everyone is an artist, but not everyone knows they are an artist.” This is not a mere slogan, but a deep insight into human creativity. She believes that everyone has the potential for creation, and that regardless of their environment, as long as one is attuned to and expressive of their surroundings, art can be integrated into daily life. For her, art should not be a lofty, inaccessible concept confined to an ivory tower, but rather a down-to-earth and powerful presence that penetrates life and illuminates the soul.
“Every detail in life holds the potential for art.” Whether it’s the arrangement of a market stall or the early morning light casting its glow on a street scene, these seemingly mundane moments are, in her eyes, filled with infinite creative potential. In her works, the viewer is not merely an observer but a participant and interpreter. She emphasises that true art should spark the imagination and creativity of the viewer, allowing everyone to find their place within the art and feel the potential deep within themselves.
Hepburn Li is particularly passionate about the concept of “Xianliu Art”, a form she has pioneered, which breaks free from traditional boundaries and focuses on expression in the present moment. Xianliu Art not only pursues aesthetic beauty but also prioritises its meaning and influence in contemporary society. She believes that art and life should be intricately woven together, that art should resonate with the times, and serve as a medium for reflecting reality and responding to market needs. This philosophy allows Hepburn Li’s creations to transcend simple visual expression and become a force that continuously impacts society.
She further highlights the value of Xianliu Art in its fluidity and adaptability: “When you release art from its frame, it will find its direction and integrate into everyone’s life.” This creative philosophy challenges traditional definitions of art, taking it beyond museums and galleries into broader societal contexts, imbuing it with practical value and influence.
Art Realised: Beyond Wall-Hung Luxuries
Hepburn Li’s artistic philosophy emphasises that: “Art should not simply hang on a wall; it should penetrate the heart and possess the power to change lives.” She advocates for art to break free from traditional, isolated frameworks, integrating into everyday life to become a dual manifestation of emotion and value. Her concept of “Heartfelt Art” is a practical application of this thinking, ingeniously combining art with economics, making the work not only soul-stirring but also a tangible representation of investable, inheritable value.
In her artistic world, every piece holds deep emotional stories and market potential. Her iconic work ”Flowing Continuity” features fluid lines and vibrant colours to showcase the rhythm of life. Collectors have hailed it as a “heirloom,” symbolising the ongoing drive of both career and life. These works are not only a visual feast but also a continuation of wealth and spirit, becoming an eternal memory in people’s lives.
Moreover, when Hepburn Li created her monumental piece “The Queen of the Sea”, she was not only demonstrating the power of art on canvas but also expressing a fearless, indomitable vitality. The inspiration for this work came from a chance encounter at a market, where a uniquely shaped pumpkin sparked her association with the powerful forces of the deep ocean. “Even when unable to breathe in the deep sea, the queen of the sea exudes dominance and resilience; it is a hymn to life.” Hepburn Li’s work, like the queen of the ocean, fearlessly faces any challenge, mirroring the leadership and influence she demonstrates in the realms of art and culture.
Each stroke, every colour block of this piece, symbolises her personal strength, blending the ocean’s depth with the resilience of life. Hepburn Li, as a multifaceted woman—an artist, collector, and business leader—exemplifies the same commanding presence as “The Queen of the Sea”, taking charge of her destiny whether in creation, collecting, or advocating for social responsibility.
For Hepburn Li, art should not be confined to academic theory or the status of a luxury item hanging on a wall. Her works transcend these boundaries, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from diverse industries with their captivating expressive techniques and profound emotional depth. “Art is an economic act, but it is also a means of emotional transmission and cultural continuity.” Whether it is the life rhythm in ”Flowing Continuity” or the natural anthem in “The Queen of the Sea”, each piece becomes a bridge connecting hearts and the world.
“The true value of art lies not in where it hangs but in its ability to resonate with the viewer, to show the strength of life and the possibilities of living. That is the meaning of art and the reason it continues to influence human society.”
From Creation to Action: Artistic Practice in Achieving the SDG
Hepburn Li’s art extends beyond the marketplace and carries with it a profound social responsibility. She firmly believes that the value of art lies not only in its aesthetic expression but also in its potential as a powerful tool for promoting social justice and sustainable development. It should support vulnerable groups in improving their living conditions, using art as a medium to convey warmth and hope.
“The powerful radiate their own aura, but those with high energy will help others.” This phrase encapsulates Hepburn Li’s philanthropic philosophy. She actively embodies this belief through her actions, leveraging her influence and creative ability to encourage more people to participate in charitable initiatives. She is convinced that when art and social responsibility converge, their impact can transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Hepburn Li’s charitable practices and creative philosophy are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly in Goals 10 “Reduced Inequalities”, Goal 4 “Quality Education”, and Goal 13 “Climate Action”, where she has made outstanding contributions. Through art, she promotes equal opportunities and emphasises the rights of disadvantaged communities. Her exhibitions often incorporate educational elements to inspire greater understanding of the value and power of art.
When Hepburn Li created “The Queen of the Sea”, she was not only expressing reverence for the power of nature but also conveying her deep concern for ocean conservation. This artwork directly responds to SDG Goal 14 “Life Below Water”. Through “The Queen of the Sea”, Hepburn Li depicts the ocean’s infinite power and resilience, symbolising its central role in the Earth’s ecosystem and the biodiversity and environmental value it holds.
The ocean is a crucial foundation for life on Earth, yet it faces multiple threats, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Only by respecting and protecting the oceans can we maintain global ecological balance and ensure sustainable development for the future of humanity. Through “The Queen of the Sea”, Hepburn Li transforms the power of the ocean into art, reminding us of the importance of the sustainable use of ocean resources. For Hepburn Li, art is not merely a form of creation but a force capable of resonating with society and nature. Through her work, she illustrates the resilience of life and conveys a strong call to action for global ocean conservation, thereby promoting a focus on and commitment to a sustainable future.
“Art is a bridge to change; it can inspire us to care for the vulnerable, cherish the environment, and redefine our relationship with the world. This is the core drive behind my creation and actions.”
Bridging the Gap: From Local to Global
Hepburn Li believes that Taiwanese art should step beyond Asia and shine on the international stage, gaining more global recognition. She actively participates in international auctions like those at Ravenel and Christie’s, with her unique style attracting collectors from both Europe and Asia. For Hepburn Li, entering Sotheby’s auction house is a long-term goal, while her short-term aim is to allow more international collectors to see and understand her work, acknowledging the depth and value of Taiwanese art.
Beyond participating in international auctions, Hepburn Li is committed to making art part of people’s everyday lives. She has displayed her works in unconventional art spaces such as banks, bringing art into more accessible venues. “A bank is not just a place for wealth movement, but also a platform for cultural exchange,” she says. This innovative exhibition format brings art closer to the public and imbues public spaces with new cultural value.
Hepburn Li’s cross-disciplinary approach extends not only to her personal creations but also to promoting local Taiwanese artists, providing them with more exposure opportunities on the global stage. For her, Taiwanese art is not just a visual experience but a starting point for cultural dialogue. Through art, she hopes to connect Taiwan to the world, allowing more people to understand the uniqueness and creativity of local culture.
Creating Infinite Possibilities: Art for the Future
Looking ahead, Hepburn Li’s artistic journey is filled with limitless possibilities, as she aspires to be a key force in bringing Taiwanese art to the international stage. For her, art is not only a form of creation but also a tool for global dialogue that transcends culture and language. She firmly believes that the true value of art lies in its ability to bridge geographic boundaries, inspire more people, particularly the younger generation, and help them realise that art is a force that can change lives, enlighten minds, and even shape the future.
Hepburn Li’s vision for the future is not limited to personal achievement. She hopes to use art as a medium to unite society’s goodwill and promote understanding and tolerance across the world. “Art is a boundary-crossing force. When it merges with life, technology, and the environment, it can generate endless possibilities.” She aims to facilitate international collaborations, exhibitions, and art education, encouraging more people to take part in this dialogue about beauty and power, and to see art as an inspiring source in their everyday lives.
To realize this vision, Hepburn Li has been working tirelessly to promote her philosophy and artwork. She will soon collaborate with Taiwanese artists to hold a joint exhibition, which will be held from December 7 to December 24, 2024, at the Fine Art Center in Anping District, Tainan. This exhibition will not only showcase the essence of her past works but also represent a new dialogue, focusing on her profound reflections on the ocean, nature, and society. She hopes that this exhibition will not only touch the emotions of viewers but also inspire more people to join the movement of art and social responsibility.
“The future of art lies in how it inspires the heart, connects the world, and puts the viewer first, allowing everyone to find personal resonance in art. I hope to create a global platform centered around art, where artists from around the world can co-create and share inspiration, responding to the challenges of our time through their creations. This is not only the original intent of my work but also my commitment to the future.”
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