Person
Artist
Liu Wei
刘韡
Date of birth
1972
Place Of birth
Beijing, China
Biography
Liu Wei 刘韡 was born in Beijing in 1972. He studied at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, graduating in 1996. Liu grew up against a background of rapid urbanisation and ideological instability in China. Creating work that reflects his generation’s experiences of rapid social transformation, his focus has often been on the flux of the Chinese urban landscape; he seeks ways to create a sense of order from chaos. His artworks are consequently often concerned with facets of contemporary urban life, ranging from consumer culture to our perception of and relationship to cities.
The artist is known for his multidisciplinary practice, and the breadth of the materials and techniques. With his paintings, videos and large-scale installations Liu has become a singular presence on the global art stage. Wei currently lives and works in Beijing.
Wei has participated in numerous biennales and triennials including the 58th (2019), and 51st (2005) Venice Biennale; 11th, 8th and 5th Shanghai Biennale (2016, 2010, 2004); 3rd Aichi Triennial (2016); 13th and 9th Biennale de Lyon (2015, 2007); Sharjah Biennale 11, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (2013); 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st Guangzhou Triennial (2012, 2008, 2005, 2002); and 6th Busan Biennale (2008). His work has been shown in solo and significant curated exhibitions internationally, including 散场/OVER, Long Museum, Shanghai, 2020-21, Art and China After 1989: Theatre of the World at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 2017. Wei won the Award of Art China for Artist of the Year (2016); the Ambassador of Sino-Australia Cultural Exchange (2016); Martell Artist of the Year (2012); and the Chinese Contemporary Art Award for Best Artist (2008).
The artist is known for his multidisciplinary practice, and the breadth of the materials and techniques. With his paintings, videos and large-scale installations Liu has become a singular presence on the global art stage. Wei currently lives and works in Beijing.
Wei has participated in numerous biennales and triennials including the 58th (2019), and 51st (2005) Venice Biennale; 11th, 8th and 5th Shanghai Biennale (2016, 2010, 2004); 3rd Aichi Triennial (2016); 13th and 9th Biennale de Lyon (2015, 2007); Sharjah Biennale 11, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (2013); 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st Guangzhou Triennial (2012, 2008, 2005, 2002); and 6th Busan Biennale (2008). His work has been shown in solo and significant curated exhibitions internationally, including 散场/OVER, Long Museum, Shanghai, 2020-21, Art and China After 1989: Theatre of the World at the Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 2017. Wei won the Award of Art China for Artist of the Year (2016); the Ambassador of Sino-Australia Cultural Exchange (2016); Martell Artist of the Year (2012); and the Chinese Contemporary Art Award for Best Artist (2008).
