Liu Yonggang’s Art

　　Lv Zhongli (Collector)

　　I was first attracted by Liu Yonggang’s art at the turn of the 21st century as his paintings, sculptures and public art impressed me tremendously.

　　Being an entrepreneur rather than an artist, why do I enjoy Liu Yonggang’s works so much? I feel that the art of lines, which has been inherited from traditional Chinese culture in olden times, are still vividly present in his sculptures and paintings. These lines are mystically wonderful, with their smoothness, curves and a diversity of shapes and variations. Such linear expression is seen in Liu’s paintings, and Chinese characters in an upright position are his most imaginative creation of lines. I feel that lines have always played a significant role in the transformation of his art from concreteness to abstraction. The spirit of the Chinese nation is best expressed in lines, which constitute the essentials on which everything else is built as they run through the entire process of the time-cherished culture and history of China. From the perspective of culture, line is a spiritual existence, the essentials that may be expressed in various ways in different eras, such as the earliest inscriptions on oracle bones, bronze and stone-drum.

　　As a contemporary Chinese artist, Liu Yonggang has never extracted himself from the spirit of lines in native Chinese culture; yet a contemporary view is also reflected in the lines. The turn of the 21st century has seen a tendency of simplicity in Liu’s paintings, an artistic interpretation of the Chinese philosophy that “the Greatest Tao is simple to the utmost” (less is more), and in extreme cases of simplicity, he may complete one painting with only one stroke of brush. I believe that his works represent creativity and innovation on the basis of profound understanding of the Chinese cultural traditions, which is indeed marvelous. I would call myself a fan of Liu Yonggang.

　　I have contradictory feelings about the promotion of good artworks on the commercial side. As an entrepreneur, I fully understand that promotion, campaigns and brand hype can be very helpful for the sales, which is known as brand value. But where does it come from? Of course, first of all you need to have good products, and good promotional campaigns are a plus. Some people may build up brand popularity and the so-called brand effect through hypes in all ways, be it positive or negative. However, I do not think such hypes and promotions should be overemphasized by an authentic artist. If he spends too much time on microblogging and making sensational news, how can he find enough time and energy to develop his art?

　　Mr. Liu is not too well versed in promotional campaigns as he is fully dedicated to serious art creation with a solid foundation in art. After being trained as a professional artist in Central Academy of Fine Arts, he continued his studies in Germany for a number of years, hence with a knowledge base that connects the Orient and the Occident as he is well trained in both cultures. No westerners can ever create the works that he has created as they lack the artistic conception of the Orient, and easterners without proper training and international experience would not have created such art. Then why his fame and popularity remain underestimated, despite the value of his works? This is a dilemma. Recently I have got the news about his exhibition, and I expect that his exhibition can bring his art development and achievement closer to the public, and I definitely believe that he will undoubtedly become an outstanding artist, as his works are innovative, unprecedented in the Chinese, even the world history of art, Therefore please allow me to express my sincere wishes for his continued success in his dedication to the art of line and phenomenon, that he has explored.

　　Here I would like to emphasize one thing: contemporary artists should have a sense of responsibility to enable the Chinese culture to shine with self-confidence to stand majestically amongst the great diversity of world cultures. With our time-cherished and splendid culture that has been developing for thousands of years, it would be a sad thing for Chinese artists to simply borrow Western ideas and imitate Western artistic techniques. Instead, Chinese artists should make every effort in enabling the broad and profound Chinese culture and art to demonstrate its brilliance in the world. And from Mr. Liu’s talents and efforts, I have seen the power of self-confidence and the heroic spirit of excellent Chinese culture and art to go global.

　　(Organized by Xing Qingnan, based on interview recording in May, 2012)