weight of culture

These collage compositions are meticulously crafted from a tapestry of found objects, including fabric remnants and gift-wrapping paper, interwoven with graphic cutout drawings contributed by Liu's son. Repurposing found materials is a recurring motif in her artistic practice - notably, her use of color and texture is a striking hallmark of her work, deftly juxtaposing bold hues and contrasting materials to ignite a visual symphony.

These portraits hold a space for women to find representation as individuals, transcending conventional labels. This series coincided with the emergence of the #metoo and Time’s Up movements, pivotal moments that empowered women to voice their truths and finally be heard. Concurrently, the pandemic cast a shadow, fostering an atmosphere marred by heightened hostility and a surge in violence and hate crimes against Asians.

As this series continued to evolve, Liu made a profound realization, recognizing that she had been subconsciously constructing these portraits as a memory response to photographs of her mother when she came to America in the 1960s, diving headfirst into a new life. In Liu's own words, "Being a first-generation Asian American comes with the weight of constant micro-identification. People tend to preconceive who you ought to be or what you must represent culturally. These portraits serve as a celebration of one's unique essence, relieving the burden of perpetual classification. This process allowed me to see my mother as an individual above all else – not solely as a parent, nor as a spouse. When I saw her from this holistic perspective, she was free.”