LIU BAOJUN

Born in 1963 in Dandong (Liaoning province), Liu Baojun began teaching himself about painting at the age of 7. He came to Shanghai in 2003 where he launched his unique artistic style. His unmatched and exquisite style, made clear in the Pipe-smoking Women series, has made his work the most sought-after in the art market.

The works of Liu Baojun represent typical portraits of the Chinese women. But we are far from the slim and distinguished striking women of the delicate poses. They seem more in a provocating beauty, spread through the painting. Sometimes dressed in the traditional costume, sometimes in western clothes, or naked, many of the women of Liu Baojun smoke with pleasure. It is a question a not feminine tradition and an activity still taboo in the Chinese society. The artist challenges slowly our perceptions of the Chinese woman and conjugates the tradition with modern ideals.