Sunday, August 18, 2019

RELIGIOUS ART | NEWS OF WEEK

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Gregory & Ernest Disney-Britton
Artist Liu Xiaodong in 2017 in front of his painting “Refugees 4” (2015)
As A&O readers know, we have a special affection for artists of color, and Chinese contemporary artist Liu Xiaodong is our newest discovery. Born in 1963, he is best known for social realism focused on the daily realities of ordinary people: friends, family, migrants, workers, farmers, and transgender/gay. In 2015, Lui used his virtuosic brush to paint "Refugees 4" which conveys his sympathy for downtrodden lives filled with physical struggle but also spiritual pleasure. "Refugees 4" at the Phillips Collection, makes Liu Xiaodong, our artist of the week.
Liu Xiaodong, in his painting “Refugees 4” (2015), depicts Syrian refugees at the port of Lesbos gathered together in a moment of rest. A show at DC's Phillips Collection features 75 artists on migration and displacement.
NEWS OF 2008-2019 from across the USA, and around the world:
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Liu Xiaodong's "Disobeying the Rules" (1996)
Liu Xiaodong's "Into Taihu" (2010); Oil on canvas; 118 x 157 1/2 in.
Liu Xiaodong’s ‘Three Transgenders,’ 2001. (Courtesy the artist and Lisson Gallery)
Liu Xiaodong'a "Isaac with his walking stick in the shape of ?" (2018) Oil on canvas; 11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in