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Lot Essay
Profoundly steeped in the school of Classicism, Lui Liu draws on the philosophy of Surrealism when venturing into art. He reinterprets the stories of Greek mythology through a unique artistic idiom created in his very own artistic language. The skill of his cool and detailed draftsmanship blends the techniques of realism and surrealism, thereby producing a perfect interpretation of contemporary Chinese art, which is to incorporate modern thinking into traditional oil painting.
The Three Graces, which signify beauty, charm, and wisdom in Greek mythology, have always exercised appeal in Classical art. They sing and dance to entertain the gods, and in doing so bring beauty and joy to the human world. The three graces symbolise the spirit of Hedonism and their colourful life has given shape to human desire. The charm and grace of their carriage exudes an elegance found only in women. Their soft and delicate contours endow the work with an unpretentious poetic atmosphere. The decorative and delicate touches found in the present lot, Three Muses, are similar to that of the Three Graces in Primavera by the early Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli. From the cut of clothing together with their colours, the skill level of creating -a skin texture that is soft to the touch, and the precise depiction of bodily shape, it has become apparent that the artist has drawn on Western Classical art for inspiration. A spring breeze stirs, scattering petals across the ground and ruffling the long hair of the three goddesses. Their delicate and finely made dresses give an impression of physical agility. Lute music, quick of tempo and pleasant to the ear, lingers in the air as the sinuous, rhythmic blue streamer entwines the three graces together, dancing gracefully in Lui Liu's finely designed world of immortals.
By placing the figures in the foreground of the composition, Lui Liu not only adds a touch of realism to a surreal world, but also intensifies the visual impact of the painting on the viewer. The three graces have stepped forth from the sea, tall and supple, their expressions holy and pure. As a light shining forth from the clouds falls upon them, their soft and beautiful womanly bodies convey a power of resolution that absolutely enchants the viewer.
The Three Graces, which signify beauty, charm, and wisdom in Greek mythology, have always exercised appeal in Classical art. They sing and dance to entertain the gods, and in doing so bring beauty and joy to the human world. The three graces symbolise the spirit of Hedonism and their colourful life has given shape to human desire. The charm and grace of their carriage exudes an elegance found only in women. Their soft and delicate contours endow the work with an unpretentious poetic atmosphere. The decorative and delicate touches found in the present lot, Three Muses, are similar to that of the Three Graces in Primavera by the early Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli. From the cut of clothing together with their colours, the skill level of creating -a skin texture that is soft to the touch, and the precise depiction of bodily shape, it has become apparent that the artist has drawn on Western Classical art for inspiration. A spring breeze stirs, scattering petals across the ground and ruffling the long hair of the three goddesses. Their delicate and finely made dresses give an impression of physical agility. Lute music, quick of tempo and pleasant to the ear, lingers in the air as the sinuous, rhythmic blue streamer entwines the three graces together, dancing gracefully in Lui Liu's finely designed world of immortals.
By placing the figures in the foreground of the composition, Lui Liu not only adds a touch of realism to a surreal world, but also intensifies the visual impact of the painting on the viewer. The three graces have stepped forth from the sea, tall and supple, their expressions holy and pure. As a light shining forth from the clouds falls upon them, their soft and beautiful womanly bodies convey a power of resolution that absolutely enchants the viewer.