Following his time in Vietnam, Liu spent the next decade painting and teaching and continued to travel to places such as the Philippines, Northeast Asia, and Central and South America.
At the close of the 1970s, Liu had his first exhibition, which drew attention for his humorous and naive images reminiscent of the works of Paul Klee, whom the artist cites as a major influence. Liu's most famous work is his 1994 painting Evening Call (
In the 1980s, Liu continued his travels, this time to Borneo and then to South Africa to study the life and behavior of wild animals. He would later travel through East Africa, gathering material for his African Animal Series, which he completed in 1999.
Older and wiser
Polite and modest as he is today, Liu describes himself as a rascal before the age of 50. He said he now feels like a Buddha, with a soft heart full of kindness.
Speaking at the opening of his Tri-Service General Hospital exhibition, he recalled his life of adventure and introduction to art: "I was a hunter once, and I was in wars. Killing was a common thing and life had no dignity. I did not know at that time what it means to say that all humans were born with compassion until I was far away from the war. When I calmed down and received love from others I came to understand. Love is acquired through learning. Now I am an animal rights promoter and get angry every time I see animals locked in a cage. Just imagine that I was a hunter before!"
"Love is the source of creation, and the highest quality of art is not to be beautiful but to be able to present love and a sincere respect and love for life."
Max Liu is currently exhibiting at two venues in Taipei
What: Liu Chih-wei and his Splendid Life (
When: Until Aug. 10
Where: Main Entrance Lobby, Tri-Service General Hospital (
For information, call the Capital Art Center at 2736-1288.
What: Max Liu: 1980 - 1990 (
When: Until Sept. 1
Where: Lungmen Art Gallery (
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