Interview: Liao Wan-ning
Luca Curci talks with Liao Wan-ning to explore her artistic vision.

Liao Wan-ning is an oil painter originally from Xi’an, China and currently resides in Toronto. In 2000, Liao graduated from the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts in Shaanxi Province, China, with a focus on Impressionist painting in the second studio of the Oil Painting Department. After graduation, Liao became increasingly fascinated with the realism of the Neoclassical style. As a result, the artists taught themselves various techniques and material applications associated with Neoclassical oil painting. This led to a transformation in Liao’s style, which may now appear quite different from contemporary Western art trends. Liao once attempted to immerse themselves in the wave of contemporary art but chose to respect their inner voice and focus on subjects that genuinely fascinated them-often elderly people, old stories, and ancient objects, capturing their contemporary appearances and circumstances.

Luca Curci – Can you tell us about your background? Which experience has had the greatest impact on your work?
Liao Wan-ning – In 2007, I was fortunate to be selected by Mr. Xie Hongzhong, the curator of Hong Kong Baoqutang Contemporary Art Gallery, to become a contracted artist. Mr. Xie was the president of the Hong Kong Collectors Association and the Hong Kong Artists Society, and a renowned collector and art broker. After reviewing some of my works, he signed a three-year contract with me, during which the gallery purchased all my pieces. These three years were a period of significant growth for me. The gallery’s art director, a retired curator from the British Museum, deeply influenced me with her vast knowledge and insights.

LC – What themes are you currently exploring in your work?
LW – In 2010, I chose not to renew my contract with Baoqutang Contemporary Art Gallery and left my job at the Shaanxi Provincial Press and Publication Bureau to focus on painting and motherhood, after the birth of my son David. Since then, I have been drawn to two main themes: Antiques and old objects: My interest began when I discovered Chinese paintings and German cameras from my grandfather. My passion for antiques grew as I appreciated how different materials emit unique shines and tell stories. Relationships: I focused on gender dynamics and children, especially those affected by war, lacking education, or abandoned due to social issues. These themes deeply concern me. Since 2024, I have also explored the bond between humans and pets, a phenomenon that intrigues me. Many people choose pets over children, and I am fascinated by how these bonds can fulfil deep emotional needs, observing even people who keep unconventional pets like pigs or snakes.

LC – What are the three key elements that define your poetic expression, which you cannot abandon?
LW – Authenticity: Realism, often criticized in modern art, helps preserve memories of people and objects that may no longer exist. As a collector, I am drawn to the details and textures of objects, many of which have lost their original functions. Completeness: My approach to art is similar to my understanding of literature and poetry. While contemporary art can be like poetry-generalized and fleeting the true complexities of humanity are best experienced through novels. Life, in my view, should also have a sense of completeness and closure, which is why I always finish my paintings, even if they are imperfect.

Narrative: The narrative is central to my work. Much of my art, especially portraits, is driven by commissioned orders, where clients share personal stories that inspire me. These stories, often unknown to others, are captured on canvas to immortalize a moment of significance for the subject.

LC – What inspires your work?
LW – In simple terms, my inspiration comes from what I find beautiful, timeless, and worth spending time capturing with my brush. Painting offers a different representation than photography. It could be a face, an object, a body, an expression, a movement, or a color that compels me to create. I find it difficult to distort or deface what I perceive as beautiful through my visual experiences. I prefer not to distort or transform people, objects, or animals into unrecognizable forms. Paint is a medium that allows for endless possibilities in shaping imagery, with its rich and varied textures, thicknesses, and transformations.

LC – Has your style changed over the years? If so, how?
LW – Around 2018, I focused heavily on creating pencil sketches and oil portraits. I used a direct painting method to complete these commissions, primarily employing realistic techniques. After 2020, I began to explore the field of commercial art, experimenting with new materials. I started to reduce the contrast and tonal brightness in my works, resulting in softer and more muted compositions. I found myself drawn to grey tones. To achieve varied textures and depth in my paintings, I began incorporating materials like quartz sand, Xuan paper, and textiles. This practice has allowed me to push the boundaries of my work, giving my paintings new layers of texture and nuance.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can provide opportunities for artists?
LW – I believe ITSLIQUID GROUP offers an excellent platform for artists to foster artistic exchange and create opportunities for exposure. It has the potential to help artists increase the visibility of their works and attract a broader audience. Please let me know if you need further information or additional details regarding my work. I will promptly provide the necessary images to facilitate this project. Thank you for your assistance and support. I look forward to collaborating with you! Wishing you all the best.