Leo Xu Projects is participating in Frieze New York, presenting Beijing-based artist Liu Chuang’s solo show. It features a selection of his recent works that explore the cultures of the Shenzhen and Guangdong region that are shaped by a large population of migrant workers.

Liu Chuang’s work integrates social intervention with institutional critique to examine China’s immediate realities, particularly the Shanzhai—the phenomenon of piracy and plagiarism in mass manufacturing and culture. Working across disciplines from video, installation, architecture to performance, Liu uses banal ready-mades and intervention techniques with a subtle, wry sensibility and an awareness of absurdity.

Highlights of the booth include: a piece from his internationally exhibited series “Buying Everything on You” (2006-present) that presents possessions—underwear, ID cards, knives, lighters, combs, toothbrushes, band-aids, etc.—Liu acquired from individuals he encountered in Shenzhen’s migrant job-market; a collection of pulp fiction novels from local book-rental stores, characterized by romantic and kung fu themes, and kitsch in style, are covered with written comments from readers who are local laborers. Additionally a video documenting a performance Liu is featured in, which probes the urban transformation of contemporary China, will be presented.

A leading figure of young generation of Chinese artists, Liu Chuang (b.1978 in Hubei) has exhibited extensively at China’s prestigious institutions and galleries, including National Art Museum of China, Beijing (2011), Minsheng Art Museum, Shanghai (2011), Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum, Beijing (2012, 2011), Nanjing Museum, Nanjing (2005), and He Xiangning Art Museum, Shenzhen (2003). His works have been featured in international exhibitions such as “The Generational: Younger Than Jesus” at New Museum in New York (2009); “China Power Station”, which traveled from Battersea Power Station, London (2006), to Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo (2007), and MUDAM, Luxembourg (2008); Mediations Biennale, Poznan (2008); “Slash Fiction”, Gasworks (London, 2007).

Liu Chuang lives and works in Beijing.

*The artist will be present during the fair week.

Image: © Liu Chuang, Leo Xu Projects