Wen Liu, a Shanghai-born artist based in Brooklyn, creates sculptural works that explore the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine and cultural healing practices. In her pieces, dried herbs are suspended in tinted resin, drawing on the importance of accurately describing internal pain for effective treatment.
Liu’s artistic journey began as a way to process grief after her father’s passing, using natural remedies as a form of healing and connection to her cultural roots. The sculptures she creates feature architectural and skeletal structures made of molded clay, with herbal elements that resemble stained-glass windows or delicate membranes.
One of Liu’s notable works, “In Light, Where Edges Yield,” is a human-sized piece standing on four legs with a central spinal column. The play of light through the resin and herbs creates a sacred and evocative visual language that mirrors the emotional themes of grief and healing explored in her art.
By blending Eastern and Western traditions, Liu seeks to create harmony and balance in her sculptures. She often presents her works symmetrically, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue of healing and introspection. The intricate details and careful composition of her pieces encourage a deeper exploration of emotions and lived experiences beyond words.
Currently, Liu’s exhibition “Antidote” is on view at Gaa Gallery in New York, with another exhibition opening this month at Tang Contemporary Art Beijing. To learn more about Wen Liu and her work, visit her website and Instagram. By delving into the complexities of language, culture, and healing, Liu’s art offers a unique perspective on the power of art to communicate and transcend boundaries.
