Oil and mixed media on canvas

30 x 40 cm. 11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and pinyin, dated on the upper center

LITERATURE
1997, 8+8-1: Selected Paintings by 15 Contemporary Artists, Schoeni Gallery, Hong Kong, p.44
EXHIBITED
20 Jun – 12 Jul 1997, 8+8-1: Selected Paintings by 15 Contemporary Artists, Schoeni Gallery, Hong Kong
1998, 8+8-1: Selected Paintings by 15 Contemporary Artists, Connaught Brown Gallery, London

PROVENANCE
Schoeni Gallery, Hong Kong
Private Collection, United Kingdom

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Schoeni Gallery, Hong Kong

Note: A label from Schoeni Gallery, Hong Kong is affixed on the reverse
Proceeds of this item will go towards Schoeni Projects which is based in London and Hong Kong devoted to promote contemporary art

A Sample of Mixed Emotions. An Inquiry into Human Nature.

In 1995, Liu Wei departed from his early Revolutionary Family series, which is highly political, and developed a painting language bolder and more unrestrained. He participated in the Venice Biennale of that year and presented a newly created work, Do You Like Meat? Created in 1996, You Like Me, Why Not? Series No. 9, is a continuation of the previous work, exemplifying the artist's creation during this period. In You Like Me, Why Not? Series No. 9, the artist “crumbled” the brushstrokes and “twisted” the perspective to present an ordinary moment in one's life with sly humor. In the picture, Liu Wei's exaggerated figurative depiction from the early times combines with the imaginative abstract expression of the later period, resulting in a highly expressive image. The depicted blurry face reveals a soul drifting in the inner world, as if the figure is looking at himself in front of a distorting mirror, stunned by the strange face in the reflection. In the discrete composition, the figure is seemingly situated in an aquatic environment. The antenna-like shapes scattered around him are condensed and extending at the same time, as the people's thoughts which are seemingly drifting with the current yet limited in its own head. The work, You Like Me, Why Not? Series No.9, accurately illustrates the entanglement of desire and human nature. Uproarious and aggressive, it indicates the core value that the artist tries to deliver: no matter how hard we chase wealth and glory, we are nothing more than flesh and blood in the end.

Price estimate:
HKD: 600,000 – 800,000
USD: 77,400 – 103,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 708,000