Artist Profile Wen Liu

Liu’s atmospheric gestures dissolve the boundaries between form and space to summon a state of perpetual poetic becoming.

Artist Statement

My artistic exploration revolves around the captivating concept of liminal space, a threshold between the known and the unknown, the tangible and the intangible. In this evocative realm, I merge various disciplines, including ceramics, sculpture, and painting, to craft immersive experiences that challenge perceptions and evoke contemplation.

At the heart of my practice lies a fascination with the fluidity of boundaries and the transformative power of transition. Through sculpture, I sculpt forms that blur the lines between solidity and fluidity, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of different states of being. Each piece embodies a narrative of change, symbolizing the liminality inherent in our existence. In my works, I capture the ephemeral nature of liminal space, using color, texture, and composition to convey a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. These works serve as windows into alternate realities, where the familiar and the unfamiliar converge in a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.

Philosophically, my work resonates with Heidegger’s concept of “being” and Laozi’s principles of “wu wei” (non-action) and Dao. Laozi in the “Tao Te Ching” mentions, “Do nothing, and nothing is left undone,” which is not just an attitude toward life but a profound insight into the nature of life and the universe. Heidegger, in “Being and Time,” explores the essence of existence, emphasizing the complex relationship humans have with time, space, and others through “Dasein.” His concept of “authenticity” encourages the pursuit of deeper self-understanding and existential meaning. Zhuangzi’s Daoist philosophy, with its pursuit of nature and freedom, reminds us not to be bound by external fame and fortune.

Though I did not study philosophy from a young age, many concepts have formed through life experiences and have been validated and deepened through reading. In this process, I have been guided by literary and philosophical masters into broader realms of thought. My artistic journey is one of discovery, transformation, and connection. Through my work, I invite viewers to embrace uncertainty, embrace change, and embrace the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the threshold.

Artist Biography

Wen Liu is a Chinese-born artist and interaction designer currently based in Beijing, China. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Ohio University in 2018, where she focused on Fine Arts and Ceramics, honing her skills and developing a strong foundation in artistic expression. Following her undergraduate studies, Wen pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Design degree at California College of the Arts in 2021, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in the intersection of art and technology.

With over a decade of experience in the United States and Europe, she brings a diverse cultural perspective to her practice. Wen’s artistic journey revolves around exploring connections between individuals, nature, and environments. Through sculpture, painting, and installation, she delves into the complexities of human interaction, aiming to unravel the intricacies of cultural identity, belonging, and displacement. Inspired by her multicultural upbringing, Wen seeks to transcend cultural boundaries and deepen understanding of the shared human experience.