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And my obsession with slightly strange portraits continues! I can’t help but love these very sweet faces by Chinese artist, Liu Ye. Flat fields of color, rosy cheeks, and of course, Miffy the Bunny… because let’s be honest, no one can resist Miffy.
If you could photograph poetry, I believe it would look a lot like this. Sigh. All of these photographs {that I swore were collages when I scrolled by them on Instagram} are part of an ongoing series titled “Reflection – 2” by Shanghai based artist Ziqian Liu… and yes, that’s her in every image. Ziqian’s personal work begins with self-portraiture because she believes keeping a ‘visual diary’ is the “best way for her to communicate with herself and to get to know herself better”. Here is her full artist statement:
“There are two main themes in her work. The first theme is about the symbiosis between human beings and nature. To some extent, it can be said that human beings and the rest of the natural world is equal, we live in the same world, breathing the same air, mutual tolerance. In her works, she tries to find a state of harmony between human and nature, and full of peace and emotion, because in this state of symbiosis, beauty will be most embodied.
The second theme is about perspective. Things we are familiar with often remain in a fixed image, but she is trying to convey through her work, to look at the same thing from different angles, there will be different findings. This is not only for things, but also for understanding others and our hearts. On the other hand, her deepest desire is for symmetry and perfect order, both in the appearance of things and in the patterns of human interaction, but this is too idealistic, after all, society is not balanced, some imperfections make it real. In her work, the image in the mirror represents the idealized world she wishes to live in, and the integration with the outside is just a reminder to respect and recognize the imbalance in the real world, but also to adhere to the order and principles of our hearts.”
See? Poetic.
Paper. PAPER! I wrote about LA based artist Huntz Liu almost exactly one year ago to the day. Well, he’s been busy since then! Oh so many stunning, beautifully cut, colorful layers. Sigh. He’s part of a gorgeous two-person show with Michelle Benoit, titled “Dive In”, at the Muriel Guepin Gallery in New York. It opens this Friday, January 6th and runs until February 11th… so if you’re in New York, go look at those lovely layers in person! ps. Huntz will be at the opening, all the way from LA.
Layers… oh, so many layers of gorgeous cut paper stacked on top of each other! This is the paper-cutting mixed media work of LA based artist/graphic designer Huntz Liu. I love those side shots that reveal the lovely depth he’s created, and that give us a closer look at what’s going on with each piece… granted, I have no idea how to do this myself {nor the patience}, but I’m so happy that he does! Happy weekend, everyone.
I wrote about Canadian, now Bay area based, artist Crystal Liu just over four years ago. We just recently reconnected through email, and boy am I happy that we did because I got a peek at these beauties {not even titled yet, nor on her site… lucky us!}. Beautifully drawn flowers, sitting on inky backgrounds, with what I like to imagine are magical gold seedpods falling from the sky. Sigh. I could look at them for hours.
What category am I supposed to put this under? Painting? Well, yes, he’s covered in paint. Installation? Kinda. Street art? I guess so. I should probably just start a new category called ‘Slightly Mind Blowing’. All of these pieces are from a series called Hiding in the City by Chinese artist Liu Bolin, also known as The Invisible Man. I’m sure you can see why… if you look really hard.
Yes, Toronto based Bahamian artist Gio Swaby is back on the podcast! I only had her on seven months ago, but since then her career has exploded… clearly, we need to hear everything! From articles in the New York Times and interviews on oprah.com, to five (FIVE!) museums acquiring her work! Also, can we talk about Gio in that dress at LACMA’s “Black American Portraits” opening gala!? Okay, I just realized that I ended every sentence with an exclamation point… but HOW CAN I NOT!? Listen right up there under that gorgeous self-portrait, or download ART FOR YOUR EAR wherever you get your podcasts.
Last time he told how he first tried generic Viagra, he took the pill from his brother.
First up, a closer look at the image above, and a few more of Gio’s recent self-portraits:
Drawing with thread, painting with fabric. Stunning. Speaking of which, look at this crew of fabulous women… four Swaby sisters:
These three pieces are from Gio’s “Pretty Pretty” series, and these three…
… are her sisters featured in Gio’s “Love Letter” series. So, so beautiful (and a pretty creative and beautiful way to say ‘I love you’.)
Next up, the “New Growth” series that hung in a grid at Untitled Miami in December:
Again, gorgeous! ps. That fabulous dress is by ÖFUURË.
Okay, from an art fair in Miami to 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London:
I had to include those outtakes… Gio has such a great laugh, and here it is in action!
Okay. You guys, here is THE dress:
FABULOUS. That’s Gio (wearing Greta Constantine) with Claire Oliver (galleriest-extraordinaire), Bisa Butler (insanely talented artist), and while she mentioned jumping the drink line with Paris Hilton, somehow Gio neglected to mention hanging out with Lil Nas X. Whaaat?! Yep.
And finally, a few bits and pieces of very exciting, much-deserved press:
[CRAZY APPLAUSE HERE]… ah, it’s all so exciting, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she’s back on very soon to talk about another giant list of amazing stuff (book signings, anyone!?). Huge thanks to Gio for taking time to talk to me again; thank you to “Ask Ronna” Podcast for supporting this episode; and, of course, thank YOU for listening. There will be a brand new episode of ART FOR YOUR EAR in two weeks.
Other links:
Supported by : “Ask Ronna” Podcast
A 15 artist exhibition celebrating all things “pa•per”, and this isn’t even half of them! From insane paper-cutting pieces and embossed bodies, to ‘knife drawings’ and found image collage… Paradigm Gallery in Philadelphia has put together an exciting and eclectic show titled, yes, “pa•per” , and I am beyond thrilled to be one of the artists in this stellar lineup. Here’s a little more info about this upcoming exhibition:
“Though paper is often thought of as craft material, Jason Chen’s exhibition, pa•per, tries to re-contextualize the medium by showcasing 15 artists who use nontraditional techniques to elevate it. Artists participating in pa•per include: Kanako Abe, Daria Aksenova, Joey Bates, Albert Chamillard, Colette Fu, Lizzie Gill, Sally Hewett, Danielle Krysa, Rosa Leff, Huntz Liu, Ryan Sarah Murphy, Marianne R. Petit, Lucha Rodríguez, and Nayan & Vaishali. The gallery is known for working with established and emerging paper artists, but pa•per’s lineup is fresh and unexpected.”
The show opens THIS Friday, April 26, 2019 from 5:30 – 10pm, and will be on view until May 18. Go, okay? Thanks! ♥
Breath. Taking. I’ve written about New York based artist Jacob Hashimoto before {2014}, but after seeing glimpses of this absolutely stunning installation, titled ‘The Eclipse’, popping up over and over again on Instagram, well, clearly I had to write about him again. If you are in New York, please, please, please go to this … and then tell me all about it!
Governors Island (NY) Announces Immersive Public Exhibition by Artist Jacob Hashimoto. Two breathtaking installations [‘The Eclipse’ – shown here, and ‘Never Comes Tomorrow’] composed of thousands of delicate, hanging rice paper kites, cubes and funnels to be displayed in historic St. Cornelius Chapel and Liggett Hall Archway. ON VIEW: June 2 – October 31, 2018
Is it any wonder that “joy” is her middle name?! Australian artist Amy Joy Watson creates the most beautiful sculptures… beautiful sculptures with balloons!!! Now, to be clear, she does make pieces that don’t have balloons in them – things like giant geometric bows, and “rainbow machines”… but for me, yep, it’s all about these candy-colored, helium-filled lovelies! Stunning, impeccably made, and so full of JOY!
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