Liu Weijian’s paintings are impressive in scale as well as in consistency. Mostly held in douche and dark colours, however, there is something unsettling and uncanny in his painted environments. Cryptic titles such as Mentally Disabled People’s Thoughts Impossible to Aprove, Gambling Without Answer, and Superstition’s Implication also indicate that there is more at stake as what is visible to the eyes. He elaborates on the notion of space, both interior and exterior, and how such spaces seem to construct their own narrative. Often, these places are laden with anonymity and vastness, whether it be new industrial buildings or run-down generic habitats. Among Liu’s favourite techniques is to juxtapose the indoors and the outdoors to create an otherworldly terrain. Adding to the aura of ambiguity is what he does put into his paintings. His scenes, commonly feature windows and doors, which tend to serve as a reminder that there are other worlds just outside his canvas.
His latest series of paintings titled The Call of the Crows feature simple and ordinary objects such as a fax-machine, a sink, a television, a table, and a traffic light. Similar to his earlier works, these images are conducted with immaculate skill. Each element, whether naively or realistically rendered, is deftly balanced by visual authenticity; Liu Weijian’s technical ability and sincere connection to his vernacular are ever present.
Liu Weijian (1981) lives and works in Shanghai. He graduated from Shanghai Normal University of Art (2005). Recent exhibitions include Farewell my Country – Liu Weijian Solo Exhibition, Gallery Louis Vuitton Maison, Hong Kong (2011), China Power Station, part IV, Pinacoteca Agnelli, Torino, Italy (2011), Antenna – Solo Exhibition, ShanghART Gallery, Shanghai (2010).