Liu Wei (B. China, 1974). "Marilyn" (2008). Oil on Canvas.
Dimensions: 15.75 in x 78.75 in (40 cm x 200 cm)
This work is unframed and in excellent condition.
Provenance: The Studio of the Artist.

Always adding of elements of playfulness, irony and some sort of socio-political commentary to his art, Chinese Contemporary artist Liu Wei's most recent series of oil paintings are visually deceptive works, one of the finest examples from the series is here, entitled ‘Marilyn.’ When this painting is viewed straight on, the image of a smiling, youthful Marilyn Monroe is barely discernible, reading more like an abstract traditional Chinese ink painting. The skewed perspective and exaggerated vertical proportions of this work allow such perceptions to change as the viewer walks around the painting, viewing it from different angles, the image drastically changes. Once viewed from a three-quarter or side angle, the viewer’s perception of the scroll-like composition abruptly changes and the image becomes a stunning realist portrait of a youthful and carefree Monroe. This series represents cultural icons from both East and West, and literally mixes imagery, tradition, technique from both cultures in a manner that is inherently unique and very powerful.

Contemporary Chinese rising star, mixed media artist, Liu Wei (China, b. 1974) is uniquely varied in his work, producing drawings, sculptures, paintings, and installations, that all act as uncensored expressions of his artistic vision, unhindered by ideology or form. He satirically explores various themes in his work, often looking at aggression, corruption, and excess inherently found through cultural anxiety. By investigating identities in the constructs of society, Liu Wei plays with notions of power structures and spectacle. The artist has exhibited internationally at such venues as Saatchi Gallery (London, UK), Today Museum of Art (Beijing, China), and Suzhou Art Museum (Suzhou, China), among numerous others. The artist lives and works in Beijing and is represented by the world's top galleries in Singapore, China and Europe.