Liu Yong’s “Poetic Years” exhibition opens in Beijing, showcasing 89 works that blend Chinese ink traditions with Western artistic influences.
The exhibition “Poetic Years: Dreams Flow into Paintings: The Art of Liu Yong” opened at the National Museum of China on April 9th. It brings together 89 works by Chinese American artist Liu Yong, spanning landscapes, bird-and-flower paintings, and scenes of daily life. Together, these works trace the evolution of his artistic style over several decades.
Liu Yong was born in Taipei in 1949 and moved to New York in the late 1970s. He is known not only as a painter, but also as a writer. Early in his career, he focused on traditional Chinese painting, building a solid foundation in brushwork. Later, he explored Western approaches to form and composition. As a result, his work developed a style that blends Eastern aesthetics with modern visual structure.
The exhibition showcases creations from artists aged 16 to 76, providing a rare glimpse into more than 60 years of artistic practice. It includes landscapes, modern ink paintings, flower-and-bird works, and sketches. Notably, many of the works are being shown to the public for the first time. At the same time, the exhibition highlights Liu’s artistic exploration over the past decade.
“I think the greatest value of a retrospective is that it allows me to relive my life,” Liu said to CNS. “After looking back, I can reflect and improve.”
In 2025, Liu donated several works to the National Museum of China. These include traditional ink paintings and experimental works, which combine techniques such as spray ink, texture, and layered brushwork. These large-scale pieces are now on display, showing his continued exploration of new forms.
Huang Xiaojiao, curator of the exhibition, said Liu’s work brings together the spirit of Chinese ink art and the structure of Western painting. More importantly, it reflects how overseas Chinese artists continue cultural traditions while engaging with diverse artistic ideas.
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