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Last edited by YcREX (talk | contribs) 26 hours ago. (Update) |
Liu Ruowang | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | March 19, 1977 |
| Occupation(s) | Artist, Founder of Dodo Art Museum |
| Known for | Sculptural series, including Original Sin, Wolves Coming, Heaven Soldier, The People, Melody, Dodo, Mr. Pinocchio, and pictorial series. |
| Website | www.dodo-art.com |
Liu Ruowang (Chinese: 刘若望; born 1977) is a distinguished artist known for his significant contributions to the art world. He is recognized as the founder of the Dodo Art Museum (located in Beijing, Yulin, and Xi'an) and the initiator of the Yukou International Art Town in Jiaxian County, Shaanxi Province, China.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Liu Ruowang was born in Jiaxian, Shaanxi, China, in 1977. He enrolled in the Fashion Design Department of Xi'an North-West Textile Institute in 1996 but dropped out in 1998 to focus on his artistic pursuits. He furthered his studies in sculpture at the Graduate School of the Central Academy of Fine Arts from 2002 to 2005.
Career
[edit]Since emerging as a professional artist in 2005, Liu Ruowang has gained recognition within Chinese contemporary art circles. His sculptures, installations, and exhibitions have garnered international acclaim. Liu's works have been showcased in prominent art hubs in various Chinese cities, as well as exhibitions worldwide, including NordArt in Büdelsdorf Germany, BadRagARTz in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, Naples and Florence in Italy, the 2015 Venice Biennale in Italy, the Armory Show in New York, and various other locations across Europe and Asia.
Notable Series
[edit]Liu Ruowang's portfolio includes several highly regarded series, including "Lupi in Arrivo" (Wolves Coming!), "The East is Red", "The People", "Heaven’s Soldier", "Melody", "Original Sin", "Dodo", and “Mr. Pinocchio.”
"Lupi in Arrivo" (Wolves Coming!) is a contemporary art installation curated by the Uffizi Gallery. It was exhibited simultaneously at the Palazzo Pitti and Piazza della Santissima Annunziata in Florence. This significant exhibition made Liu Ruowang the first artist to receive such an honor since World War II, marking a historic moment in Florence's contemporary art scene.
The event marked a significant milestone as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Sino-Italian Diplomatic Relationships, adding a cultural and artistic dimension to the festivities.
The East is Red (2004-2009)
[edit]
It is a series of bronze sculptures collectively weighing 7.5 tons and measuring 860 cm in height, 260 cm in width, and 210 cm in thickness. This ensemble comprises six distinct sculptures inspired by Shaanxi Province, the birthplace of the renowned song "The East is Red," which is, in a sense, a testimony of China's recent history.
The sculptures depict strong figures with small round heads, devoid of contemplative expression, dressed in traditional Shaanxi farmer attire: black cotton jackets and white headscarves. The color red represents both the artist's childhood memories of fear and broader themes of revolution and bloodshed. These pieces powerfully capture the experiences and dreams of ordinary people during a specific historical era.
The People (2005-2006)
[edit]
It is a series of bronze sculptures utilizing materials such as painted bronze, cast bronze, and weathering steel. This series is divided into two parts:
- Series 1: Comprises 36 different forms, totaling 108 sculptures, including 3 head sculptures and 6 full-body sculptures.
- Series 2: Comprises 61 different forms, totaling 280 sculptures, including 1 leader figure and 60 figures representing the masses. Additionally, there are 32 sculptures depicting a chess game, symbolizing the pieces in Chinese chess.
"The People" profoundly embodies the themes of loyalty and tragic heroism inherent in the Chinese national sentiment. Throughout history, the fate of the people has remained unchanged—they have sacrificed themselves heroically in numerous revolutions, often without understanding the cause of their sacrifice. Liu Ruowang employs a grand "Eastern panoramic" compositional technique, using bronze to achieve the realistic effect of clay. By borrowing imagery from the Qin Terracotta Warriors and utilizing traditional Chinese painted sculpture techniques, Liu explores the relationship between indigenous Chinese sculptural language and contemporary contexts, aiming to express his understanding of traditional Chinese historical culture.
Heaven Soldier (2007-2008)
[edit]These series of works authentically capture the artist's youthful fervor and boundless imagination. The imagery of a mace confronting a fighter jet, an axe challenging an aircraft carrier, and cold weapons opposing the most advanced modern armaments, symbolizes the free and genuine individual standing against the earnestness and self-righteousness of collectivism. The artist truly returns to the freedom of creation, and when placed in the real wilderness, imagines themselves as a mighty warrior, capable of upholding justice, standing alone, and carving out their own space.
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Heaven Soldier at Guanyintang Art Gallery Street, Beijing, China, 2010 -
Heaven Soldier in Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 2010
Wolves Coming! (2008-2010)
[edit]
It is a monumental iron-cast sculpture series. The installation consists of 111 pieces: 110 wolves, each measuring 220 cm by 110 cm, and a lone warrior standing at 330 cm by 1 cm. The wolves are depicted in 56 different forms, creating a dynamic and tense scene as they attack the solitary warrior.
The piece reflects the existential dilemmas faced by contemporary individuals. Through "Wolves Coming," Liu Ruowang expresses his acute awareness and concern for the current era, drawing parallels to the fable of the shepherd boy who cried wolf. The sculpture suggests that we are surrounded by crises, much like the isolated warrior besieged by wolves.
Melody (2010-2011)
[edit]
It is a series of bronze sculptures with dimensions ranging from 110 cm to 182 cm. The inspiration for this work comes from the ancient Chinese melody "High Mountains and Flowing Water" from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the touching story of the deep friendship between Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi.
Liu Ruowang draws from the imagery of the Qin Terracotta Warriors, employing bronze casting techniques to produce works that are grand and imbued with a strong sense of heroism. However, these sculptures do not depict the warriors in their heroic battlefield stances. Instead, they are shown in serene poses reminiscent of Tai Chi movements. The absence of tension and confrontation in the sculptures, replaced by fluid and graceful motions, embodies the demeanor of a great nation—both robust and agile, gentle yet powerful.
Original Sin (2011-2013)
[edit]It is a series of bronze sculptures comprising four sub-series: "Original Sin: Ape," "Original Sin: Bible," "Original Sin: Book Mountain," and "Original Sin: Buddha Bone." The most renowned among these is "Original Sin Ape," featuring 36 sculptures of apes in various postures. These sculptures depict apes gazing upwards, symbolizing the birth and development of ancient civilizations and reflecting the conflict between the material achievements of modern civilization and the resulting environmental degradation. The expressions and gazes of the apes convey a sense of hope for the present and a longing for a brighter future.
The title "Original Sin" is inspired by the biblical story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, aiming to convey observations on contemporary society and concerns about the pitfalls of civilization. This series calls for greater public attention to the beauty in the world while criticizing the environmental damage caused by humanity's pursuit of technological, military, material, and spiritual progress. It questions how humanity can seek survival under the burden of civilization and what choices lie ahead for the future of civilization.
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Original Sin (Ape) at NordArt Germany, 2016 -
Original Sin (Bible) at DoDo Art Museum, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 2018
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_at_DoDo_Art_Museum,_Chaoyang_District,_Beijing,_China,_2018.jpg)
The DoDo (2013-2015)
[edit]
The series of dodo bird sculptures is crafted from stainless steel and features diverse forms. The artist aims to present the dodo, a species that went extinct in Mauritius, as a cautionary tale prompting reflection on environmental issues and humanity's enduring relationship with nature.
The extinction of a species signifies a significant impact on the intricate web of life on Earth. Civilization implies diversity, evolution, and ultimately, a return to origins after transcendence. However, the full ramifications of any species' disappearance on Earth's biological chain remain uncertain.
The dodo's return in these sculptures symbolizes a cultivated sensitivity towards life, reflecting on the story and fate of the dodo and evoking a profound connection among all living beings.
Mr. Pinocchio (2018-2021)
[edit]
The sculpture series "Mr. Pinocchio" features a central figure of Pinocchio measuring 620x260x220 cm, crafted from weathering steel. This series includes a 6-meter-tall puppet statue and 36 life-sized human figures. Inspired by Carlo Collodi’s classic character, Pinocchio, the puppet is depicted in 19th-century attire with an elongated nose, symbolizing lies. Its hands appear to be manipulated by invisible strings, or perhaps it is controlling the surrounding masses. At the puppet's center, a diverse group of modern individuals marches in an endless, cyclical loop, unaware of the invisible hands that control them.
Continuing Liu Ruowang's distinctive scenographic style, the work employs a large spatial scale, a dialectical relationship between the individual and the collective, and forms rich in symbolism and metaphor. This piece addresses common issues faced by humanity in modern society and aims to provoke deeper contemplation.
Exhibitions
[edit]Liu Ruowang's artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide. Notable exhibitions include the "Concern and Hope for Livelihood – Liu Ruowang Art Exhibition" at Beijing FuJen Academy Gallery and the Beijing Giri International Art District.
Solo Exhibitions
[edit]2022:
- Original Sin, Barmstedt, Germany
- Wolves Coming, CIS, Nola, Naples, Italy
- Original Sin, Mönckebergstraße, Hamburg, Germany
2021:
- From Yukou to Florence, joint exhibitions on art and environment: Beijing Station – Ruowang: Coping with Covid-19, Dodo Art Museum, Beijing
- Wolves Coming, Piazza Municipio, Avella, Italy
- Joint exhibitions on art and environment: DaTong Station, Shanxi Shoukou Great Wall Art Museum
2020:
- Lupi in Arrivo [Wolves Coming!], Pitti Square and Santissima Annunziata Square, sponsored by Galleria degli Uffizi and Florence Municipality, Florence, Italy
2019:
- Wolves Coming!, Municipal Square, Naples, Italy
- 2019 City Sculptures Online, Prague, Czech Republic
- Liu Ruowang Ecological Civilization International Sculpture Exhibition, Miyun, Beijing
- Gobi Heaven – Liu Ruowang Ecological Civilization International Sculpture Exhibition, Deserts of Yinshan Mountains, Inner Mongolia
- Ruowang Living Things - Unity of Heaven and Man – Liu Ruowang Ecological Civilization International Sculpture Exhibition, Chanba Zishui Park, Xi'an
- Liu Ruowang Ecological Civilization International Sculpture Exhibition, Yukou International Arts District, Jiaxian County, Shaanxi Province
2018:
- Eden Once More, Yang Gallery, 798 Art District, Beijing
- Eden Once More, Yan Huang Art Museum, Beijing
- The Third Approach – Returning Art Back to People, Crab Island Resort, Beijing
- Original Sin, Capital Parliament Building, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Original Sin, Vaclavske Namesti, Prague, Czech Republic
- Wolves Coming!, Francois Mitterand Square, Quimper, France
- Liu Ruowang, Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Italy
2017:
- Ruowang - Living Things, 19th NordArt Art Festival, Büdelsdorf, Germany
- Original Sin, Sønderborg Festival, Sønderborg, Denmark
- Ruowang - Living Things, Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning, Beijing
2016:
- Ruowang - Living Things, Art factory, 798 Art District, Beijing
- Ruowang - Living Things [Overseas Tour Exhibitions of Liu Ruowang's Works], Büdelsdorf Germany
- Ruowang - Living Things [Overseas Tour Exhibitions of Liu Ruowang's Works], Giri International Art Zone, Beijing
2015:
- Wolves Coming! Dialogue with Kritik der reinen Vernunft of Immanuel Kant, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Liu Ruowang Sculptures Exhibition, Fu Ren Academy, Beijing
2014:
- Heaven and Earth of the Loess, China Federation of Literature and Arts, Beijing
- Original Sin, Wanda Plaza, Changchun
- From Human to Ape, Honyo Art Center, 798 Art District, Beijing
2013:
- South Korea Cultural Exchange Exhibition, South Korean Parliament, Seoul, South Korea
- Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water, Swire Group, Beijing
- Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water, Jinbao Street 1949, Beijing
2012:
- Wolves Coming!, Queenstown, New Zealand
2011:
- Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water, Century Jinyuan Yansha Museum, Beijing
2010:
- Wolves Coming!, Originality Square, 798 Art District, Beijing
2009:
- Burdened, Gallery 49, Beijing
- Humanist Appeal - Liu RuoWang's Sculptures, Xingyi Gallery, Singapore
- Humanist Appeal - Liu RuoWang's Sculptures, Bund No. 1, Singapore
2008:
- Inquiries of Hevean, No.1 Place Art Mansion, Beijing
- The World, Loft 3 Art Gallery, 798 Art District, Beijing
2007:
- Liu Ruowang's Sculptures, High East Art Museum, Seoul, Korea
- The East is Red, Singapore Xingyi Gallery, Beijing
2006:
- People Series II, 798 Art District, Beijing
- People Series I, Bada Gallery, Taiwan
- People Series I, Museum of Contemporary Art, Beijing
Group Exhibitions 2022:
- The East is Red, 23th NordArt Art Festival, Büdelsdorf, Germany
2021:
- Swiss Sculpture Triennial —— Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
- Aotou VISION Public Art Exhibition, Xiamen
- The East is Red, 22th NordArt Art Festival, Büdelsdorf, Germany
2019:
- The First International Arts and Culture Festival of The Old Summer Palace
- Across the Eternity - China- Switzerland Friendship Liu Ruowang & Pascal
- Jeremiah Art Exchange Exhibition
- 2019 International Art Exhibition of Baby Hand in Hand *Dream Cup, Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning, Beijing
- Auspicious Pig, Yang Gallery, 798 Art District, Beijing
- The East is Red, 21th NordArt Art Festival, Büdelsdorf, Germany
2018:
- Art Xiamen International Expo
- The Third Approach - Returning Art Back to People, Xiedao Resort, Beijing
- The Third Approach, Modern Art Exhibition, Xi'an Laogangchang Design Creative Industrial Park
- Exhibition of Guanyintang Art Museum, Beijing
- The East is Red, 20th NordArt Art Festival, Büdelsdorf, Germany
2017:
- Ruowang•Living Things – Liu Ruowang Solo Exhibition, Rome Biennale, Rome, Italy
- Ruowang•Living Things – Liu Ruowang Solo Exhibition, Florence Museum, Italy
- Armory Show, New York, USA
- Curitiba - Brazil Art Biennale, Brazil
- Art Beijing, China Agricultural Museum
- Creation and Art – Exhibition for People's Liberation Army of China, Eight One Art Museum
2015:
- Wolves Coming! Dialogue with The Mourning of Christ, 2015 Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
2014:
- Creation – Beijing Middle Aged Sculptors' Art Exhibition, Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning, Beijing
2013:
- Melody- Liu Ruowang's Sculptures Exhibition, 798 Metal Storehouse, Beijing
2012:
- China-France Cultural Exchange Exhibition, Stone Pavilion of Dongcun Cultural Industrial Park, Beijing
- Professors’ Way, Group Exhibition of Research Associates and Professors from the Sculpture Branch of China National Art Institute, National Art Museum of China, Beijing
- The 12th National Military Art Exhibition, National Art Museum of China, Award Winner
2011:
- Invitational Exhibition of National Art Museum of China, Guozhong Art Museum, Songzhuang, Beijing
- Daybreak – The 30th Anniversary Exhibition of National Art Museum of China, National Museum of China
2010:
- Melody– Liu Ruowang’s Sculptures Exhibition, Guanyintang Art Museum, Beijing
- Majestic Momentum – China Invitational Exhibition of Modern Sculptures, China Millennium Monument
2009:
- The May 4th Young Artists Exhibition, Hongwan Art Museum Exhibition Tour, Asia Art Center
- I Can Believe – Beijing Fanxing Art Museum Invitational Exhibition, Beijing Fanxing Art Museum
- China Motive Power – 2009 China International Sculpture Almanac Exhibition (CISAE), Beijing International Sculpture Art District
- Sino-Korea Art Exchange Exhibition – Collision – Liu Ruowang Solo Exhibition
2008:
- Floating – Sino-Korea Modern Art Exhibition along with Dingfeng Art Space Opening Exhibition, Dingfeng Art Space, 798 Art District, Beijing
- 2008 Asia Modern Art Exhibition, Singapore Art Museum
- 798 Art Festival: Loft Outdoor Sculptures Show, Dashanzi 798 Art District, Beijing
- Future Sky – China Contemporary Young Artists Nominational Exhibition, National Art Museum of China
- Uproar of the Populace – The 4th Songzhuang Art Festival Public Sculpture Exhibition, Songzhuang, Beijing
- Reply to Asia – Midland Invitational Exhibition of Modern Art, Henan Art Museum
- China's Stance – The 1st China Sculptures Grand Exhibition, Exhibition Tour to Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai and other cities
- 2007 China Documentary Exhibition of Contemporary Art – Themed Exhibition, Beijing Gehua Art Center
2007:
- 2007 Open Exhibition of Modern Sculptures, Beijing Exhibition Center
- Pictures of Yesterday Exhibition, Beijing Sal Tree Flower Center
2006:
- Art Beijing, China Agricultural Museum
2005:
- Survival Space - Behavioral Structure - Art Exhibition, Beijing Guanghua International CBD Art Street
- Peace and Prosperity • Grand Sculptures Exhibition, Beijing Wangfujing Pedestrians’ Street
- Yellow Sky, Deep Soil • Grand Sculptures Exhibition, China Millennium Monument
- The East is Red for CAFA’s Light of the Academy Excellent Works Exhibition, Award Winner
Works
[edit]Sculptures
[edit]| Timeline | Name | Collections and Donations |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-2005 | The East is Red | Florence, Italy
|
| 2005-2006 | The People | New Art Center of Singapore
|
| 2005-2006 | Mars | Beijing Jinbao Street 1949 |
| 2006-2007 | Honor Guard | China Modern Art Foundation |
| 2007-2008 | Heaven Soldier Series | Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Italy
|
| 2008-2009 | Legacy | New Art Center of Singapore
|
| 2008-2010 | Wolves Coming! | Queenstown Golf Estate, New Zealand
|
| 2010-2011 | Melody | Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Italy
|
| 2011-2013 | Original Sin | Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Italy
|
| 2013-2015 | The DoDo | Lorenzelli Arte, Milan, Italy |
| 2013-2015 | The DoDo Bone | |
| 2016 | Millipede | YuKou International Art Village |
| 2017 | The Horse | Yulin Dudu Art Museum |
| 2017 - 2021 | Walk in Water | |
| 2018 - 2019 | The World | |
| 2019 - 2020 | The Rat’s Blessing | |
| 2018 - 2021 | Mr. Pinocchio | |
| 2021 - 2022 | The Clones | |
| 2021 - 2022 | Frogmen | |
| 2022 | Fortune Rabbits | Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation
|
Oil Paintings
[edit]| Timeline | Name | Collections and Donations |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2019 | Living Things series | HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
|
| 2017-2020 | Still Life series | Duke Kunshan University |
| 1999-2021 | Landscape series | HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
|
Scenario Art
[edit]| Timeline | Name |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Ruowang Coping with Covid-19 |
| 2021 | MISE EN SCÈNE |
Recognition and Awards
[edit]- 2022: Artis Suavitas 2022 Prize (Italy)
- 2019: Napoli Medal of Honor (Italy)
- 2018: Canova Prize – Contemporary Excellence Award (New York, USA)
- 2016: NordArt 2016’s Theme Artist and Highest Popularity Award, 18th International Art Festival (Büdelsdorf, Germany)
- 2015: Naples International Cultural Classic Prize of Italy (Naples, Italy)
- 2012: Excellent Artworks Award, 85th Anniversary Army Founding Exhibition (National Art Museum of China, Beijing)
- 2005: Award of Excellence, Light of the Academy by Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, German President Joachim Gauck, New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, South Korean Parliament Defense Commission Chairman Won Yoo-Cheol, and South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Kim Byung-Joon have all personally expressed their congratulations to Liu Ruowang for his contributions and success in contemporary art.
Legacy
[edit]Liu Ruowang's art combines heroism and mercy, reflecting a concern for livelihood. His sculptures often depict dynamic movements and convey a sense of power. Liu's work has been featured in galleries and museums worldwide, including Lorenzelli Arte.
Charity Activities
[edit]In 2020, Liu Ruowang established the public welfare art museum brand, Dodo Children's Art Museum, as part of his commitment to philanthropic efforts in the arts. That same year, the museum hosted the International Art Exhibition of Baby Hand in Hand in Beijing.
The "Baby Hand in Hand" initiative is a philanthropic program launched by the Dodo Art Museum. Its mission is to foster the artistic talents of children through the guidance and support of passionate artists and art educators. This initiative provides young art enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to observe and learn from the creative processes of professional artists, receiving personalized mentorship and guidance.
The program emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities for artistic expression, particularly for underprivileged children or those with disabilities. By offering a nurturing environment, "Baby Hand in Hand" aims to transcend the limitations imposed by socioeconomic circumstances or physical challenges, allowing every child's innate creativity to flourish and be celebrated.
Through hands-on guidance from renowned artists, the program not only ignites the artistic spark within these young minds but also provides them with a platform to showcase their talents. The mentors' expertise and personalized instruction open doors to higher levels of learning, broadening horizons and providing a stage for the dreams of aspiring young artists to take flight.
The "Art Mentorship" initiative underscores the transformative power of art and the belief that every child deserves the chance to explore their creative potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, this program nurtures the artistic souls of the next generation, empowering them to soar and leave an indelible mark on the world through their unique artistic expressions.
Artistic Program
[edit]Liu Ruowang initiated the International Artist Residency Program at the Yukou International Art Village, grounded in the belief that "art changes lives." This program aims to broaden the horizons of local artists and art enthusiasts and foster deeper exchanges between local and global communities. By inviting international artists to engage with the local environment and its people, the program seeks to create meaningful cultural dialogues.
The Yukou International Art Village offers a variety of services and facilities, including artist studios designed by renowned architect Wang Yonggang. Some of the artworks created during the residency remain in the village, serving as valuable resources for youth art education. As the artists return to their home countries, they carry with them the local history, culture, and customs, spreading these influences worldwide.
Artists who have participated in the residency program include Wojtek Klakla, Pierre-Alain Morel, and Uruguayan artists Inés Agresta and Gastón Chavatte.
Personal Life
[edit]Liu Ruowang currently resides in Beijing, where he continues his artistic creation.