Liu Siyu is an artist, educator, and social activist, but above all, she is an explorer of the intricate relationships between humans and their inner selves. Her artistic work focuses deeply on mental health, a subject close to her heart as she herself overcame an eight-year struggle with bipolar disorder. Motherhood has also significantly shaped her perspective, making her creations inextricably linked with her personal journey.
Raised in a family with a strong appreciation for Chinese culture and traditional drama, Liu finds a continuous emotional backbone in her heritage. The influences of Chinese theatre permeate her artwork and offer her an enriched cultural layer that transcends her immediate surroundings.
In her role as a professor at a public university, she’s not content with simply fitting into the mold of a traditionally-minded institution. She endeavours to create a free, innovative, and humanized learning environment, focusing mainly on empowering students from modest backgrounds. This effort is especially commendable given the bureaucratic and conservative mindset of the university.
Liu is an active participant in various social corners, particularly among disadvantaged communities. Her involvement in social work not only enriches her artistic endeavours but also deepens her understanding of the complex relationships between individuals, society, and self.
In essence, Liu Siyu presents a multi-faceted and profoundly deep individual to the world. Although her educational and social welfare accomplishments are indispensable, she believes that art remains her most direct and profound means of communicating with the world. This interaction fuels her unending creativity and hope, continually pushing her to explore and challenge herself in order to reach new artistic heights.
Educational experience
B.Sc. in Digital Animation, Communication University of China, Beijing, China 2001-2005
M.Sc. in Communication Design, School of Design, Politecnico di Milano, Milan,Italy 2007-2010
Recognition&Awards
2021 “Yunlai” A' Design Award in Arts and Crafts, Italy
2021 Future Designer Bronze Winner, NCDA, Hangzhou, China
2021 “Mincius“ A' Design Award in Arts and Ready-Made Design, Italy
2020 “Seacrea-Bionic Teaware design” Cotemporary Good Design Winner, Red Dot China
2020 Outstanding Mentor, National University Student Design Competition
Exhibitions
2023
“Catharsis”, Cyberport Hong Kong, HK, China
2022
"Fusion of Traditions: New Media Meets Ancient Art”, MLS New Media Art Festival, Changsha, China
2021
“Design Elements”, Red Dot Museum, Xiamen, China
“MOOD”, Museo del Design, Como, Italy
2020
“Contemporary Good Design Award Winning Works Exhibition”, Red Dot Museum, Xiamen, China
2019
“New Media and AI Art Exhibition”, School of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
2018
“Changsha Historic District Image Exhibition”, Online, Changsha, China
2010
“Camina Milano”, Design Week, Zona tortona, Milan, Italy
