Liu Xiaodong is a preeminent figure in contemporary Chinese art, renowned for his large-scale, realist paintings that poignantly capture the human condition against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming society. Born in 1963 in the industrial town of Jincheng, Liaoning Province, China, Liu's early life in a small, working-class community would later profoundly influence his artistic perspective and thematic focus. In 1980, Liu left Jincheng to pursue his passion for art at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, where he was immersed in the rigorous study of oil painting. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1988 and continued his education at CAFA to receive a Master of Fine Arts in 1995. Liu's academic journey did not end there; he further expanded his horizons by studying at the Academy of Fine Arts at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain during 1998-99. Liu's artistic career is marked by his involvement in the Neo-Realist movement in China during the 1990s. His work is characterized by a deep humanism and a commitment to portraying the everyday lives of ordinary people, often those marginalized by society's rapid modernization and globalization. Liu's paintings are not just visual narratives; they are social commentaries that reflect the complexities and contradictions of contemporary life. One of Liu's most notable works, "Out of Beichuan" (2010), exemplifies his approach to art. The painting depicts seven young women amidst the ruins of the Sichuan earthquake, a poignant reminder of the human impact of natural disasters. Liu's dedication to his craft is evident in his method of painting on location, which allows him to immerse himself in the environments and lives of his subjects, lending authenticity and empathy to his work. Liu's art is not confined to the canvas; he has also ventured into film, contributing to the Chinese Independent Film Movement. He played the lead role in "The Days" (1990), which was recognized as one of the top 100 most important international films of the past century by the BBC. He also served as the art director for "Beijing Bastards" (1993) and starred in the documentary "Dong" (2006), which was a candidate for the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. Liu's contributions to the art world extend beyond his own creations. He has been a professor in the painting department at CAFA since 1994, nurturing the next generation of artists. His influence is also felt through his public exhibitions, which have been held worldwide, including in prestigious venues such as the UCCA Edge in Shanghai, the Dallas Contemporary in the USA, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Liu Xiaodong's work has been recognized and celebrated in the art market, with his paintings fetching high prices at auctions. His record price at auction stands at $9,845,772 USD for "New Immigration to Three Gorges (4 Panels)," sold at China Guardian Auctions in Beijing in 2019. His art has been featured in numerous articles and exhibitions, reflecting his status as a leading figure in contemporary art. Liu's artistry is not limited to traditional painting; he has also explored the intersection of technology and art. His "Weight of Insomnia" series, for example, involved an automated painting machine that translated digital video feeds into paintings, highlighting the relationship between human experience and technological advancement. Throughout his career, Liu Xiaodong has remained committed to capturing the essence of human experiences, whether through the lens of social realism or the exploration of new media. His work continues to resonate with audiences around the world, offering a window into the lives of those often overlooked by society and the art world alike. Liu Xiaodong lives and works in Beijing, where he continues to paint, teach, and inspire.

Liu Xiaodong Quotes and Sales of Works

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