On September 6, 2023, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University–New Brunswick hosted the reception for the exhibition “Liu Shiming: Life Gives Beauty Form” from 5-8 PM. The landmark exhibition will offer an in-depth exploration of the famed Chinese sculptor Liu Shiming’s six-decade career, making it the largest U.S. retrospective of his work to date.
Showcasing over 80 sculptures and 12 drawings, the exhibition includes 27 works being shown for the first time in America. The late artist Liu Shiming (1926-2010) was a pioneer of modern sculpture in China, integrating Chinese and Western aesthetics in his works.
The reception offered a first look at Liu’s celebration of mundane beauty and folk traditions. Jason Geary, Dean of the Mason Gross School of the Arts, highlights his impressions of the beauty, humanity, and whimsy of Liu Shiming’s sculptures on display. He mentioned that “I was blown away by the sheer beauty, the way in which it fills our space and captivates. I think there’s a kind of warmth and humanity to the work that really draws the viewer in.” Marc Handelman, Department Chair of Art and Design of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, admired the bold and direct nature of Liu’s work, emphasizing its tactile and gestural qualities.
The Liu Shiming Scholarship recipient was also announced. The honor has been bestowed upon Jonathan Wenur, an interdisciplinary artist based in New Jersey. Wenur is currently studying at Rutgers University and is expected to receive a BFA in Visual Arts from Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2024.
Highlighting the evening’s events, esteemed Rutgers faculty Tamara Sears and John Yau also led a panel discussion from 5:30-7 PM, moderated by Fran Kaufman.
This major retrospective is made possible through a partnership with the Liu Shiming Art Foundation. The foundation recently funded the Liu Shiming Scholarship at Rutgers, which cemented the shared commitment to celebrating art that echoes diverse, socially relevant themes. The exhibition continues through September 22, 2023.
With its commitment to art, Mason Gross Galleries and the Liu Shiming Art Foundation are proud to present this comprehensive display of Liu Shiming’s stylistic evolution. The opening reception provided a unique opportunity to view these works and join leading scholars in discussing Liu’s legacy.
