Liu Xiaodong is one of China’s preeminent contemporary artists. Best known for his neo-realistic large oil paintings, the 56-year-old has garnered international fame for his empathetic depictions of contemporary human life.
The artist has been stranded with his family in New York since mid-February following the Covid-19 outbreak. Every day since April 1, Liu has painted a watercolor to document the changing landscape of the city under quarantine.
Liu’s paintings include scenes of quiet streets, empty parks, lonely trees and birds left unfed. But people, whether present or absent, are the real focus of his work. Since May, his brush has documented the Black Lives Matter protests in response to the death of George Floyd.
His recent work, along with his photographs and diary entries, were displayed during the online exhibition Liu Xiaodong: Spring in New York, at the city’s Lisson Gallery from June 29 to July 11.
With his keen eye, Liu explores themes such as falseness and reality, restriction and freedom, the clash of civilizations, the fate of individuals and the future of humanity.
Facing the tumult of radical social changes, Liu said he feels an increasing sense of helplessness. “We don’t have the power to choose or change anymore. Only politicians still have that power. Scenes of reality pass before us like film footage. I no longer trust history, but only the history I’ve witnessed with my own eyes. I painted what I saw in history. At least I won’t lie to myself,” Liu told NewsChina.
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