Liu Ye is a contemporary Chinese painter, born in 1964 in Beijing, whose work is renowned for its bright hues and stylized depictions of figures that evoke a sense of innocence and simplicity. His art is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, transcending cultural boundaries and exploring universal themes of beauty, emotion, and the human condition. Liu's early life was set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in China, a period that significantly influenced his artistic development. His father, a writer of children's books, was subjected to the political movements of the time, which included Mao Zedong's Down to the Countryside Movement. Despite the restrictive environment, Liu's father managed to keep a treasure trove of banned literature hidden under his bed. These books, which included fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and Alexander Pushkin, as well as classics like "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," had a profound impact on Liu's imagination and later became a source of inspiration for his artwork. From a young age, Liu demonstrated a keen interest in drawing, which led his father to introduce him to Tan Quanshu, who became his first official art teacher. Under Tan's mentorship, Liu honed his artistic skills, despite being diagnosed with amblyopia in his left eye, which could have hindered his aspirations. However, Liu's determination to pursue art never wavered, and he continued to study under Tan's guidance. Liu's formal education in art began at the School of Arts & Crafts in Beijing, where he joined the Industrial Design department. It was here that he was first introduced to the teachings of the Bauhaus and the works of Piet Mondrian, who would later become a significant influence on his art. After graduating, Liu worked for the research center at Beijing Gongmei Group and prepared for college entry exams. In 1986, Liu enrolled in the Mural Painting department at the Central Academy of Fine Arts with an outstanding academic score. During his time there, he was exposed to Western psychology and philosophy, drawing inspiration from the works of Freud, Nietzsche, and Hendrik van Loon. Liu also began drawing comic strips and publishing them in newspapers to earn some income. Liu's journey to Europe marked a pivotal moment in his artistic career. In 1989, he traveled to Germany and passed the entry exam of the Berlin University of the Arts, where he completed his undergraduate studies and received his MFA in 1994. His time in Europe was spent absorbing Western art, visiting museums, and studying the works of Western modernists like Paul Klee and Johannes Vermeer. This exposure broadened his artistic vision and allowed him to synthesize a style that combined fantasy with naturalism. Upon returning to Beijing in 1994, Liu's style evolved to reflect his changing environment. His works began to portray a more childlike perspective, often featuring characters that resonated with a broad audience. His paintings are characterized by their use of primary colors and geometric shapes, reminiscent of Mondrian's abstract compositions, yet they also incorporate narrative elements and a sense of whimsy. Liu's art has been exhibited internationally, with solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Johnen and Schöttle in Cologne, Sperone Westwater in New York, Schoeni Art Gallery in Hong Kong, and the Venice Biennale. His works are part of permanent collections in institutions like the Shanghai Art Museum and the Long Museum. Throughout his career, Liu has consistently sought to explore the human condition through his art. His paintings are a testament to his belief in the power of beauty and the joy it can evoke. As Liu himself has said, "Seeking beauty is the last chance for human beings. It is like shooting at the goal; it arouses an emotion that is wild with joy." Liu Ye's work continues to captivate audiences around the world, offering a unique and surprising conversation between the East and the West. His ability to evoke conceptual and emotional registers of meaning through his distinct vocabulary of images has established him as a significant figure in contemporary art.

Liu Ye Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

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