One of the rising stars on the multi-media and installation art horizon is Chinese sensation Liu Wei (b. 1974). "Mao's Locomotive" (2009) is an electric Pop yellow cast fiberglass sculpture by Liu that morphs the eponymous portrait of smiling General Mao into the Engine of an industrial locomotive. This work is of course a political critique of Mao's undeniable control, the 'engine' that directed China for many years. By making this intense political statement via urban inspired materials and imagery and filled with irony and kitsch, he allows the viewer to be seduced by the shiny, neon monochromatic veneer that hides deeper social and political commentaries. The use of monochrome here is a constant feature of Liu's new sculptures, and allows the portrait of Mao and the mechanical details of train to integrate in a seamless manner, with no distinction between man and machine. This sculpture is a clever and brilliant example of Liu's famed satirical explorations into various themes related to the past, present and future China, looking at aggression, greed, corruption, and excess . "Mao's Locomotive (Yellow)" is only for purchase on artnet Auctions. This is edition 1/25 and comes directly from Liu Wei himself and his studio in China. It is the only edition of this sculpture to be offered to the public at present and is in mint condition.

Liu Wei has gained international reputation amongst scholars and collectors for his uniquely varied in his work, producing painting, drawings, sculpture massive installation works, that all act as uncensored expressions of his artistic vision, unhindered by ideology or form. The artist has exhibited internationally at The Saatchi Gallery (London, UK) and Today Museum of Art (Beijing, China), amongst others and exhibited at illustrious galleries world-wide. His famous "Made in China: Mao Missile" sculptures first placed him on the international art scene. The artist lives and works in Beijing, China.