Draft:Liu Jiayu

Liu Jiayu (born 1990 in Liaoning, China) is a Chinese new media artist based in Beijing. She is known for her interdisciplinary work in digital media, installation, and climate-focused art. In 2014, she graduated from the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London and founded Studio Liu Jiayu, focusing on new media art practice and research.

Career

Liu’s work explores the intersection of technology, nature, and perception. Since establishing her studio, she has exhibited internationally at major venues including:

• V&A Museum, York Art Gallery, Watermans Arts Centre (UK)
• K11 Art Space and K11 MUSEA (Hong Kong)
• He Xiangning Art Museum, CAFA Art Museum, UCCA Lab, Times Art Museum, Today Art Museum (Mainland China)
• OCAT Shanghai, MOCA Shanghai, UCCA Edge Shanghai

She has participated in prominent international events such as the 59th Venice Biennale, London Design Festival, Kinetica Art Fair, London Fashion Week, Chengdu Biennale, Wuhan Biennale, Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture (Shenzhen & Hong Kong), and Guangzhou Triennial.

Since 2020, Liu has collaborated with non-profit organizations including WWF, Greenpeace, and Invisible Dust (UK), creating art centered on environmental sustainability and climate change.

Selected Works

• Within Invisibility (2014) – A modular light installation exploring the boundary between visibility and perception. The work uses sculptural lighting to respond to environmental space, creating a meditative sensory experience. (Chinese title: 隐形之内)

• Glowworm Garden (2016) – An immersive public light artwork inspired by the behavior of glowworms. Installed in an urban park, it uses interactive LEDs to simulate natural luminescence and evoke collective memory. (Chinese title: 萤火虫)

• Iceland (2016) – Also known as Ice Islet, this piece transforms environmental data into a digital sculpture representing the fragility of Arctic ecosystems. It merges natural form with generative light and sound elements.(Chinese title: 冰屿)

• Ocean Wave (2017) – A large-scale visual installation interpreting wave motion through projected light patterns. Inspired by ocean currents, it reflects on the emotional and physical rhythm of water. (Chinese title: 海浪)

Selected Awards

• 2023 – Breakthrough Young Artist of the Year, FIGARO China
• 2022 – Sustainable Pioneer Artist of the Year, Green Fashion Awards
• 2022 – Young Artist of the Year, Robb Report China
• 2021 – Women of Tomorrow Award (Outstanding Female Artist), Marie Claire China
• 2020 – Forbes China 30 Under 30
• 2019 – Tatler Asia Gen.T List
• 2018 – Aesthetica Art Prize Shortlist
• 2014 – Applied Arts Student Awards Winner
• 2013 – London Urban Prototype Festival Winner

References

[1] Liu Jiayu Created Luminous Forest for Shanghai Metro. [2017-06-13]

[2] Liu Jiayu Collected Winds from 40 Chinese Cities. [2017-06-13]

[3] Liu's Installation Brings Icebergs/Waves to Urban Spaces. [2017-06-13]

[4] Air Pollution Data Transformed into Electronic Flora. [2017-06-13]

[5] Liu Jiayu. [2017-06-13]

[6] Embedding Cultural Wormholes. Watermans. 2017 [2018-04-06]

[7] Applied Arts Awards: Bubble Transfer. 2014 [2018-04-06]

[8] Lincoln Nautilus Launch Campaign. Official Site [2023-05-06]

[9] GREEN CHALLENGE Awards Conclude. Official Site [2023-05-06]

[10] 2019 Gen T China List Announced. Official Site [2023-05-06]

[11] Forbes China 30 Under 30 2020. Forbes China [2023-05-06]

[12] Post-Event: Marie Claire Female Influence Night. Official Site [2023-05-06]

[13] December Issue Release. Official Site [2023-05-06]

[14] Aesthetica Art Prize 2018 Shortlist. Official Site [2023-05-06]

Category:Chinese artists Category:Chinese women artists Category:New media artists Category:Royal College of Art alumni Category:1990 births Category:Living people