The exhibition "Descending the Mountain Together" at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia is an intimate retrospective of the late Liu Shiming's work. The exhibition features 23 sculptures in wood, bronze, and ceramics on loan from the Liu Shiming Art Foundation in New York City. The show ran from January 9 through February 3, 2023.
Katie Geha, director of the Dodd Galleries
Katie Geha, director of the Dodd Galleries, curated the exhibition. She saied that Liu Shiming's works bring a new voice to this gallery. "The exhibition is a much more historical show than we normally do," said Geha. Geha saied that, Liu Shiming's works also bring a new voice to the gallery and focus more on his immediate surroundings, looking at nature, and the quotidian or the everyday. The exhibits were arranged in a way that led the audience to walk through the legacy of Liu’s artistic life.
Mickey Boyd, a 3rd-year MFA student in sculpture
During the reception, the first recipient of the Liu Shiming Scholars Fund at the University of Georgia (UGA) was announced: Mickey Boyd, a 3rd-year MFA student in sculpture. The scholarship, provided by the Liu Shiming Art Foundation in keeping with the late Liu Shiming's role as an educator, will help the student to better focus on their creative goals without struggling with financial difficulties.
Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art
Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art, expressed his excitement about the technical aspects of Liu Shiming's work and how it could be used as a teaching tool for students. "UGA is known for its history of ceramics and craftwork," said Peragine. "I think that just the technical aspect of Liu Shiming's work is really a wonderful teaching tool for us." Peragine also highlighted how Liu Shiming's story of perseverance in making art, even when circumstances change in his life, can inspire artists everywhere, especially in the Southeast where support for the arts is not always guaranteed. Peragine also believed that Liu Shiming's work would impact both students and the wider community on multiple levels. Not only can it be enjoyed for its technical and playful aspects, but it can also inspire students to learn more about Liu Shiming's life and the perseverance he showed despite his physical struggles.
Written by Yimeng Sun
Wednesday, January 25th
Photo credites: The LiuShiming Art Foundation
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