In contemporary art, diversity and innovation are eternal themes. With limitless possibilities of self and the world on a vast stage, artists explore and express through their unique perspectives and modes of expression. Jiahe Liu’s trajectory from childhood sketches to the realisation of a personal aesthetic mirrors the overarching narrative of contemporary art, emphasizing the value of individuality and self-expression.
Jiahe Liu’s “Untitled” is a series of pastel and digital collage works that was exhibited in the UAL graduate show, of 70 pieces (including the cover), bound into a hardback book. The book contains no text whatsoever, leaving much to the imagination. It’s a striking work that, even with a description, seems to evade being fully understood. This is precisely what draws me to it. This work is attributed to Liu’s grandfather who passed away in 2021, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. This book itself is like dementia, it evades comprehension. Untitled works are often brave, in that they’re intending for their artistic merit to shine through rather than relying on a long title or description to explain everything. In this instance, I think Liu is doing something a little bit different whereby the misunderstanding of the art may be intentional. Dementia and indeed the elderly can be forgotten, misunderstood or ignored until something obvious arises.
I think Liu’s personification of the syndrome comes through in his work, a melancholic mental dismantleage appearing like a slow, silent, rolling fog. The starting pieces are distinct; some poppies, a train, a grandfather clock. As the book continues, the dioramas become darker, muddled and highly textured. A detail I particularly enjoyed was the use of repetition. Like a thought that revisits you in fleeting moments, it felt like a final replay of some important moments through a struggling mind. A view of a woman sitting on a beach was soon followed by an almost identical picture – the same beach from precisely the same view, the same ships, the same waves. However, the woman was gone and it was evening. How well do you remember your earliest memories? Are they just pictures that influenced you? Are you sure you’re remembering everything right? It’s a subtle kind of horror, losing your memories, losing what makes you who you are, and I think Liu has captured this in a quiet, contemplative way that feels respectful, but still capturing a deep sadness of losing a loved one.
Among his other many works, “The Other Boleyn Girl” explores the complex interaction between history and the individual with its unique artistic language, showing his deep understanding of human nature, social structures, and the individual’s place in the historical process. It’s striking and unusual to see an image of a beehive being enveloped by fly-like moths. Considering the name of the piece it is not difficult to associate the “sweetly attempting” yet deadly hive with the power itself. Like a moth to a flame. Through surreal colours and symbolic compositions, he not only reshapes the historical image of Anne Boleyn but also reveals the misalignment and contradictions in social cognition of the individual. This unique insight into the fate of historical figures, combined with an in-depth exploration of social and psychological levels, makes the work a visual adventure and a profound touch to the audience’s psyche and emotions. Liu’s creative method demonstrates how he combines personal experiences with broad social and cultural themes to explore the boundaries of artistic expression. “The Other Boleyn Girl” is not just an artistic representation of a historical figure; it is a way to explore the commonalities of human experiences, challenging our understanding of history, individuality, and social roles.
It can be seen that Jiahe Liu’s educational journey expanded his artistic vision. The education at the Lu Xun Academy laid a solid artistic foundation, while the University of the Arts London emphasises the importance of critical thinking, intentions, and creative process, making him pay more attention to the depth of thought and the connotation of his works in his artistic creation.
His artworks thus become a language, allowing viewers to cross time and space, entering the richly dimensional narratives he creates. Through his paintings, I can not only witness the complexity and multidimensionality of a historical moment but also feel the vulnerability and strength of me as a human facing society and self-awareness. Liu’s artistic exploration shows that even individuals overwhelmed by the pages of history have undeniable depth and complexity, and their stories can be reinterpreted and experienced from new perspectives.
In Liu’s artistic practice, the creative process exhibits fluidity, with themes sometimes clear at the start, sometimes emerging naturally during the creation, or even surfacing at the completion of the work. This uncertainty and improvisation are indispensable parts of his artistic creation, making each piece full of exploration and discovery. His creations are often serial, allowing him to delve deeply into colour and composition while also discussing social topics, history, as well as the connections between still images and cinematic art. This approach enables audiences to experience richer and more layered emotions and thoughts through coherent artistic narratives.