Hung Liu Catalog (Conceptual)

Brief
Hung Liu was a Chinese-born American contemporary artist that was known for her interpretive paintings of historical Chinese photographs. Her painting subjects included prostitutes, refugees, street performers, soldiers, laborers, and prisoners. Highlighting themes of displacement, social class in China, and identity among immigrants, Hung Liu challenged historical Chinese photography by subjecting them to the reflective process of painting. Her work eroded memory and the passage of time while also bringing the images to life through such rich paintings.

Deliverables
Research
Publication
Catalog

This artist catalog pays tribute to Hung Liu and tells her story chronologically, emphasizing her journey from China to America and all the impactful works she created throughout the years. Traditional Chinese bookbinding was also incorporated into the catalog to highlight the artist’s Chinese culture.

The book uses transparent chapter pages, paint drip imagery, and white space to emphasize the complex layers, stylization, and impact of Liu as an artist and her paintings.

Interactive spreads are integrated throughout the catalog to provide a more intimate and inviting experience as users navigate each period of Hung Liu's career.

Credits

Instructor
Rosemary Murphy

Artist
Hung Liu

Hung Liu Catalog (Conceptual)

Brief

Deliverables