Sun and Moon

Liu's work has revolved around five main themes: abstract paintings, based on very free kuang cao calligraphy; his Space Series; his shui tuo, or "water rubbing" series; his zi mo, or "steeped ink" series; and his Tibetan Suite Series. Liu's Space Series reflects the inspiration that the artist found in the US Apollo moon landings of the late 1960s, after which he continued to produce works that further explored the mysteries of the universe. The success of this series earned him a reputation in the US as one of "the most sensitive contemporary artists." In Sun and Moon (Lot 110), the meticulous layering of colours encourages the viewer's eye to move among them, suggesting the waxing and waning of the moon and the unending cycles of renewal and new life.