Jeff Kelley

Liu Xiaodong presents a broad overview of one of China's greatest painters, and retraces his illustrious career, which evolved concurrently with an increased interest in contemporary Chinese art and in the painterly tradition. Complementing numerous reproductions of Xiaodong's post-social realist works are critical essays by esteemed art writers and critics, including Jean Marc Decrop, Jeff Kelley, Charles Merewether, and Wu Hung--all of whom offer contrasting and unique views of this multifaceted artist.

Contemporary Chinese art is becoming increasingly influential and Liu Xianodong is one of China’s leading contemporary artists; he is more than adequately represented with this splendid book. With two essays, an interview with the artist, and several other commentaries on his paintings we gain a good overall picture of the man and his work: his approach to his painting, his choice of subject matter, his use of photography, even the sheer energy he expels producing his paintings. In addition to the artist’s paintings there are many photographs by architects Gutierrez + Portefaix. The book concludes with a brief Biography and a Bibliography, but no index.

The text is not extensive however, or it appears so as it is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the reproductions of Liu’s work; almost every page it seems has a picture or a photograph. There are well in excess of 150 full-colour illustrations, and many black and white photographs; the majority of the pictures are around full-page size, with a good number occupying a page and a half or two pages, plus a couple of fold-out pages and a small insert containing an additional 18 colour pictures. There is no doubt about Liu’s choice of subject matter: ordinary people in ordinary circumstances. A realist painter his work is full of life and energy, he does not glamorise his subjects, yet his work is full of humanity, honest yet tender and occasionally with humour. He chooses to paint young and old, male and female, prostitutes and transvestites, nude, partially or fully clothed. His work has an immediate appeal.

This is the first of a planned series of monographs from the publishers under the heading of The Red Flag Collection, and if the standard here is maintained it should prove to be a very worthwhile effort.

Although this is a paperback it has a very stout dust jacket with very generous full flaps. It is a well designed book; refreshingly lively and imaginative but without being brash – highly recommended.… (más)