VAO 2024 Sculpture Winner Announced: Zizi Liu's Transformative Art Shines

London-based multidisciplinary artist Zizi Liu has emerged as the winner of the Sculpture category at the VAO 2024 (Visual Arts Open). Her profound artwork, Yin (2023), captivated judges and audiences alike, offering a poignant exploration of life, death, and transformation—a reflection of Liu's rich artistic and cultural background.

A Global Perspective Shaping Artistic Vision
Zizi Liu, originally from China, has lived, studied, and worked in China, the United States, Italy, and the UK. This global exposure has deeply influenced her creative practice. Liu's work, inspired by both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, delves into universal themes of identity, transformation, and human experience. Her website, ziziliu.com, and Instagram, @2121-zizi, offer further insight into her diverse body of work.

When asked about her journey and the significance of winning the VAO24, Liu emphasized how the award has bolstered her confidence and given her work more exposure. "Winning the VAO24 has encouraged me to keep exploring my creative path. It’s reinforced my belief in the importance of this journey," she said.

The Importance of Art Prizes in an Artist's Career
Liu highlights the value of art prizes like VAO in building connections within the professional art world and offering emerging artists vital opportunities. “Participating in such competitions fosters a sense of community among artists. It brings us together to inspire and learn from one another,” she said, encouraging other artists to pursue similar accolades.

Yin (2023): The Inspiration Behind the Sculpture
Liu's winning sculpture, Yin, draws inspiration from the cyclical nature of life and death. Based on the symbolism of the cicada slough in Chinese culture, the piece captures the essence of transformation. The installation, suspended in mid-air, is designed to gradually yield to gravity, descending towards the ground to represent the beginning of a life cycle. The imagery of this descent evokes a meditative reflection on change and rebirth.

What's Next for Zizi Liu?
Looking ahead, Liu is working on a new piece that delves into the themes of misogyny in Asian societies and Western Orientalism. This upcoming work aims to challenge perceptions and explore the complexities of identity, culture, and the outsider's perspective in the West.

With her VAO win and an exciting new project in the works, Zizi Liu continues to push boundaries and explore themes that resonate with audiences on a profound level. "Stay attuned to your surroundings and let curiosity guide you," she advises fellow artists. "It’s often the smallest details in life that lead to the most profound creative insights."

For emerging artists, Liu offers this essential advice: “Keep thinking, questioning, and most importantly, bring your ideas to life. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and express your unique perspective.”

As the VAO 2024 Sculpture winner, Zizi Liu’s work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of continued exploration in the creative process.