Athena Jiarui Li

Available Works

Biography

Athena Jiarui Li (b.1993, China) is a visual artist whose work strives to delve into the depths of timeless emotional truths that permeate our existence amidst a tumultuous and ever-changing world. Rather than seeking to convey specific concepts, Athena's intention is to navigate, depict, and harmonise timeless contradictions. It is through the lens of empathy and an animistic perspective that the disparate symbols on the canvas converge, allowing these opposing titans to find solace in one another's embrace. Athena believes it is imperative to honour and respect every living being and every aspect of our world. Through her art, animals and humans share equal prominence, serving as a testament to her reverence for all life forms. Athena feels a profound connection with each character that imbues them with a sense of vivacity beyond mere representation. Each inhabits their own separate universe, and their worlds merge together through her work. The animistic narratives they evoke become a vivid tapestry of interwoven tales, exploring the complexities of our shared experiences.

Education

PhD, Slade School of Fine Art, 2019-2023

MA, Royal College of Art, 2016-2018

BA, China Central Academy of Fine Arts, 2012-2016

Exhibitions

2023, Slade Degree Show, London, UK (Group)
2022, Pantomime in the Garden, Gene Gallery, Shanghai, China (Solo)
2021, National University Student Art Exhibition, Beijing, China (Group)
2019, Shanghai Young Art Fair, Shanghai, China (Group)
2018, ARTIQ Graduation Prize Show, London, UK (Group)
2018, RCA Degree Show, London, UK (Group)
2018, Lynn Painter-Stainer Prize Exhibition, London, UK (Group)
2016, WIP Show, Royal College of Art, London, UK (Group)
2016, FaSheng, CAFA Museum, Bejing, China (Group)
2016, Chuancheng, National Youth Oil Painting, China Academy of Oil Painting, China (Group)
2016, Weihai Le Tian Museum, Shandong, China (Group)