Liu Gang is a professional artist based in Shanghai. Originally from Hebei Province, he graduated from the Art Department of East China Normal University. Liu Gang has established himself as a important figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene, with a career spanning over three decades.
His artistic journey is marked by numerous solo exhibitions, including: "器.至" Personal Works Exhibition in Shanghai (2019), "Power of Repetition" Liu Gang "Grand" Series Solo Exhibition in Shanghai (2018), "Phenomenon" Dual Solo Exhibition with LAURA LETINSKY in Shanghai (2018) and "The Second Sex" Artwork Solo Exhibition in Shanghai (2017). Liu Gang's work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, showcasing his art both domestically and internationally. Notable group exhibitions include: New Tribe at Sea - Please Ask me How Time Flows in Shanghai (2023), Los Angeles Art Fair (2017), "Awakening Spring" Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE (2015) and Florence 2008 Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition in Italy.
Liu Gang's artistic journey is a testament to his ongoing dialogue with the past, present, and nature itself. Throughout his career, each series of works has exemplified the artist's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring novel forms of expression.
The evolution of Liu Gang's oeuvre over the past 15 years is particularly noteworthy. His last four distinct series vividly illustrate the artist's growth, shifting perspectives, and evolving techniques.
Liu Gang's artistic progression can be traced through four pivotal series:
Mechanical Memories: In this groundbreaking series, Liu Gang demonstrates his exceptional ability to breathe new life into the discarded remnants of our technological age. By repurposing abandoned industrial and electronic components, he creates intricate, multifaceted artworks that not only captivate the eye but also challenge our perceptions of technology, waste, and the value we assign to objects in our rapidly evolving world. These pieces serve as a poignant commentary on consumer culture and the often-overlooked beauty in the obsolete.
Safe Distance: The "Face to Face" series delves deep into the symbolism of tables, exploring their role as silent witnesses to human interaction and the passage of time. Liu Gang's masterful treatment of this everyday object transforms it into a powerful metaphor for communication, connection, and the invisible boundaries we create in our relationships. Through his unique artistic lens, these pieces become bridges that span not only physical space but also the emotional and temporal distances between individuals, inviting viewers to reflect on their own interactions and the spaces they inhabit.
Cracks: With the "Great Vessel" series, Liu Gang showcases his extraordinary technical skill and innovative approach to materials. This collection is a testament to his ability to find beauty and significance in imperfection. Through hyper-realistic techniques and a keen eye for detail, Liu Gang explores the intricate patterns and textures of cracks found in nature and man-made objects. These works invite viewers to consider the passage of time, the resilience of matter, and the hidden stories etched into the surfaces of our world.
Deformation: In his latest and perhaps most daring series, "Untitled," Liu Gang pushes the boundaries of artistic expression to new heights. By manipulating cracks as a primary visual element, he challenges traditional notions of time, materiality, and the very nature of art itself. This series represents a bold experiment in form and technique, inviting viewers to question their perceptions of reality and the malleability of the physical world. Through these works, Liu Gang opens up new possibilities for artistic creation and interpretation.
Liu Gang's body of work not only showcases his technical mastery but also provides profound insight into his philosophical and emotional growth over the years, offering viewers a rich tapestry of artistic evolution.
Liu Gang is a professional artist based in Shanghai. Originally from Hebei Province, he graduated from the Art Department of East China Normal University. Liu Gang has established himself as a important figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene, with a career spanning over three decades.
His artistic journey is marked by numerous solo exhibitions, including: "器.至" Personal Works Exhibition in Shanghai (2019), "Power of Repetition" Liu Gang "Grand" Series Solo Exhibition in Shanghai (2018), "Phenomenon" Dual Solo Exhibition with LAURA LETINSKY in Shanghai (2018) and "The Second Sex" Artwork Solo Exhibition in Shanghai (2017). Liu Gang's work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, showcasing his art both domestically and internationally. Notable group exhibitions include: New Tribe at Sea - Please Ask me How Time Flows in Shanghai (2023), Los Angeles Art Fair (2017), "Awakening Spring" Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE (2015) and Florence 2008 Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition in Italy.
Liu Gang's artistic journey is a testament to his ongoing dialogue with the past, present, and nature itself. Throughout his career, each series of works has exemplified the artist's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring novel forms of expression.
The evolution of Liu Gang's oeuvre over the past 15 years is particularly noteworthy. His last four distinct series vividly illustrate the artist's growth, shifting perspectives, and evolving techniques.
Liu Gang's artistic progression can be traced through four pivotal series:
Mechanical Memories: In this groundbreaking series, Liu Gang demonstrates his exceptional ability to breathe new life into the discarded remnants of our technological age. By repurposing abandoned industrial and electronic components, he creates intricate, multifaceted artworks that not only captivate the eye but also challenge our perceptions of technology, waste, and the value we assign to objects in our rapidly evolving world. These pieces serve as a poignant commentary on consumer culture and the often-overlooked beauty in the obsolete.
Safe Distance: The "Face to Face" series delves deep into the symbolism of tables, exploring their role as silent witnesses to human interaction and the passage of time. Liu Gang's masterful treatment of this everyday object transforms it into a powerful metaphor for communication, connection, and the invisible boundaries we create in our relationships. Through his unique artistic lens, these pieces become bridges that span not only physical space but also the emotional and temporal distances between individuals, inviting viewers to reflect on their own interactions and the spaces they inhabit.
Cracks: With the "Great Vessel" series, Liu Gang showcases his extraordinary technical skill and innovative approach to materials. This collection is a testament to his ability to find beauty and significance in imperfection. Through hyper-realistic techniques and a keen eye for detail, Liu Gang explores the intricate patterns and textures of cracks found in nature and man-made objects. These works invite viewers to consider the passage of time, the resilience of matter, and the hidden stories etched into the surfaces of our world.
Deformation: In his latest and perhaps most daring series, "Untitled," Liu Gang pushes the boundaries of artistic expression to new heights. By manipulating cracks as a primary visual element, he challenges traditional notions of time, materiality, and the very nature of art itself. This series represents a bold experiment in form and technique, inviting viewers to question their perceptions of reality and the malleability of the physical world. Through these works, Liu Gang opens up new possibilities for artistic creation and interpretation.
Liu Gang's body of work not only showcases his technical mastery but also provides profound insight into his philosophical and emotional growth over the years, offering viewers a rich tapestry of artistic evolution.
Liu Gang
Professional artist, based in Shanghai
Born in Hebei Province, graduated from the Art Department of East China Normal University
Solo Exhibitions:
2019 "器.至" Personal Works Exhibition (Shanghai)
2018 "Power of Repetition" Liu Gang "Grand" Series Solo Exhibition (Shanghai)
2018 "Phenomenon" Liu Gang and LAURA LETINSKY Dual Solo Exhibition (Shanghai)
2017 "The Second Sex" Liu Gang Solo Exhibition (Shanghai)
2011 Real Context "Face to Face" - Liu Gang Solo Exhibition (Shanghai)
2010 Face to Face - Liu Gang Solo Exhibition (Shanghai)
Group Exhibitions
2023 New Tribe at Sea - Please Ask me How Time Flows (Shanghai)
2017 Los Angeles Art Fair (Los Angeles)
2016 Silent Beauty Contemporary Art Taiwan Exhibition (Taiwan)
2015 "Awakening Spring" Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
2015 "Discovering Stobbe in Shanghai" Invitational Exhibition (Germany ARTIN)
2014 “Drifting” Shanghai Artists Invitational Exhibition (Zhonghua Palace)
2014 "Each in Its Place" Self-construction in Contemporary Art (Shanghai)
2012 German Contemporary Art Exhibition (Germany)
2011 Shanghai Studio (Germany)
2010 Film and Art Fusion (Shanghai)
2009 Shanghai Contemporary Art Exhibition (Shanghai)
2008 Florence 2008 Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition (Italy)
2007. Facing the Future Challenge - China Modern Art Invitational Exhibition (Seoul, South Korea)
2006 “Songzhuang Oil Painting” (Beijing)
2006 Shanghai Young Artists Recommendation Exhibition (Shanghai)
2004 First Art Literature Nomination Exhibition (Hubei)
2000 Oil Painting and Sculpture Joint Exhibition (Exhibition Hall of China Academy of Art)
1993 93 Shanghai Oil Painting Art Exhibition (Shanghai)
1992 First Shanghai Oil Painting Art Exhibition (Shanghai)