Liu Xiaodong: Uummannaq

^{Liu Xiaodong, Miannguaq, 2017. Oil on canvas, 23 x 33 cm. Collection of the artist. © Xiaodong Studio, courtesy Faurschou Foundation.}

Liu Xiaodong is one of China's pre-eminent contemporary artists. His masterly and often large-scale paintings depict scenes of modern life around the globe. Louisiana presents a new series by Liu from an expedition to Uummannaq, Greenland.

The Chinese painter Liu Xiaodong (b. 1963) has gained international fame for his ability to depict mo­ments and sto­ries from contemporary hu­man li­fe as well as si­tua­ti­ons and land­scapes wi­th out­stan­ding im­me­di­a­cy and ex­tra­or­di­na­ry empathy. He trained in both the classical Chinese tradition and the official Chinese variant of Soviet Social Realism. His painting skills are remarkable, but it is his use of them in depictions of people close up and in the often slightly comfortless modern world that gives his works depth and range.

The exhibition UUMMANNAQ, installed in the museum’s Column Gallery, shows around 12 paintings, 18 ink drawings and a few entries from the artist’s diary. It keeps in line with the museum’s interest in contemporary painting and the cultural and political currents of the time.