Female strength in the face of persecution is the thread running through this exhibition of 20 mixed media, painted, and photographic works by Hung Liu. Her imagery shows the power and perseverance of Chinese women throughout history-from imperial concubines to warriors of the Red Army and survivors of the Cultural Revolution (like herself). Her paintings and prints often make use of anonymous Chinese historical photogrpahs, particularly those of women, children, regugees, and soldiers. This ... view more »
Female strength in the face of persecution is the thread running through this exhibition of 20 mixed media, painted, and photographic works by Hung Liu. Her imagery shows the power and perseverance of Chinese women throughout history-from imperial concubines to warriors of the Red Army and survivors of the Cultural Revolution (like herself). Her paintings and prints often make use of anonymous Chinese historical photogrpahs, particularly those of women, children, regugees, and soldiers. This exhibition presents visions of determined, strong, and beautiful warriors-fragmentary glimpses of unknown women, enveloped within new lives of beauty and dignity. The photographic medium holds a very personal significance for Liu. When her father was imprisoned by the Mao regime, her mother destroyed all family photographs featuring him in order to protect the family from Communist forces. Liu was sent into the countryside at age 20 for four years of “reeducation” as a farm laborer, where she began secretly taking photographs with a friend’s camera. Eventually, Liu came to the U.S., where she taught at Mills College and continued to build her career as an internationally respected artist. This exhibition is organized with the assistance of Turner Carroll Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and supported in Kalamazoo by the Joy Light East Asian Art Acquisition and Exhibition Fund.
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