Hung Liu: A Visual Requiem for the Marginalized

One of my favorite shows last year took place the the Schnitzer Art Museum at Portland State University.

Hung Liu's retrospective titled, A Question of Hu, at the Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU is a haunting and necessary exploration of human suffering and resilience. Her work, a poignant blend of Chinese and American history and Western artistic traditions, serves as a powerful testament to the lives often overlooked and undervalued. 

Liu's canvas is a spotlight where the marginalized take center stage and are celebrated. Her portraits of workers, immigrants, refugees, women, and children are imbued with a raw intensity that demands our attention. Each brushstroke is a delicate balance of light and shadow, reflecting the complexities of their lives. Through her art, Liu gives voice to the voiceless, inviting us to share their pain, their struggles, their beauty and their enduring spirit.  

While her subjects are often drawn from historical photographs, Liu’s work is far from mere documentation. It is a deeply personal interpretation, a visual requiem for those lost to time. Her use of color, texture, and composition creates a visceral experience, drawing us into the heart of their stories.

Liu's exhibition is more than just an art show; it's a call to action. It challenges us to confront the injustices of our world and to work towards a more equitable future while also recognizing the desire for individual freedom. In a time when empathy seems to be in short supply, Liu's art serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. As one of my favorite painting shows I have experienced recently, the paintings themselves are so beautiful with an imapactful resonance that I still think about. I really appreciate Jordan Schnitzer's collection of these works and making them available for museums.

The Schnitzer Museum is to be commended for bringing this important exhibition to Portland. It is a privilege to witness the work of an artist who has so beautifully and profoundly impacted the world of art and social consciousness.