Flowers Are Not Flowers -- A Work by Liu Mingxiao

Author: Liu Mingxiao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Liu Mingxiao's paintings use cloth instead of Xuan paper and acrylic instead of ink. In terms of expression, he emphasizes the composition of form and the use of color to paint flowers, plants, and still life. This painting style is, of course, often called "not Chinese painting," while others say it's a "new form of Chinese painting." Whether it is or not is for viewers and critics to decide. As someone who also paints, I've always found it a bit strange—perhaps I'm ignorant, as I haven't heard of painters or theorists in other countries or ethnic groups debating whether something is or isn't "oil painting" as a major issue. So, no matter what kind of painting it is, as long as it can still be considered a painting, that's enough. Because there are still many painting-related questions that need our attention, such as what to paint and how to paint it.
Liu Mingxiao's paintings of flowers and plants differ from the traditional "depiction of objects" in flower-and-bird painting and from the traditional "expression of emotions" in flower-and-bird painting. Instead, they represent a modern aesthetic perspective—therefore, the focus and refinement of the painting form have a completely new intrinsic connection with the content being painted. In terms of technique, he equally values the graded and layered application of ink in fine-line painting and the simplicity and brightness of color. He creates a visual layering and transparency in the painting's color that harmonizes with the traditional painting's often-lacking thickness and brilliance, creating a complementary and interesting effect. In his recent works, we can also see Liu Mingxiao consciously moving away from the decorative aspects of his paintings, combining the use of color and water to create a more spontaneous approach, making his paintings more dynamic and lively. This is the reflection of Liu Mingxiao's flexibility in his paintings—if one says "a painter's art reflects their character."
Moreover, the fact that Liu Mingxiao has so many works compiled into a collection itself proves the results of his persistence in painting over the years. Without a doubt, this is the victory of his persistence.