Brief Introduction

Liu Yi is one of the most active and influential public artists, designers and curators in China. He has long been committed to integrating art and design practices and teaching in the fields of public art, environmental design and digital media. His practice explores the relationships between body and space, spirits and materials, individual and public, presence and absence of culture. The unique style of combining classic figures with contemporary colors, presented in the daily digital drawing on his smartphone, has interpreted not only artist’s curiosity and mythological imagination of life, but also his memories and experiences. The drawings, which seemed like children’s doodling, have shared overwhelming empathy with the audiences since the works reflected vivid life experiences. Meanwhile, Liu Yi has also taken his interest in creating narratives lying between digital media, materiality, and subject. Thus, his artistic practice has taken place in both graphic and spatial ways based on daily life and social scenery. He has established collaborations with many important art institutions and public art projects, including the China Art Palace, the Shanghai International Arts Festival, the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, the Fosun Art Center, A4 Art Museum, UCCA Lab, the Cao Peng Public Welfare Foundation, etc.

Research

Urban renewal

public art

social aesthetic education

exhibition curating

art therapy

Academic and Social Posts

Research Fellow, International Public Art Association (IPA)

Board Member, Shanghai Creative Designers Association

Committee Member, Curatorial and Exhibition Design Art Committee, Shanghai Creative Designers Association

Committee Member, Architectural Art and Public Art Committee, Shanghai Artists Association

Guest Mentor, Infinite Painting, China Shanghai International Arts Festival

Director, Public Art and Design Lab, Shanghai Institute of Design and Innovation

Distinguished Research Fellow, Institute of International Public Art, Shanghai University

Expert, Key Laboratory of AI Music Therapy, Shanghai Conservatory of Music

Course Tutor, Bauhaus Classroom, Cultural and Education Section, German Consulate General in Shanghai

Consultant, NOTCH Nordic-China Arts Festival

Consultant, DAWA International Accessible Culture Festival

Jury Member, New Media Art Category, International Competition of the 7th Hui Chuang Qing Chun Shanghai College Students Cultural and Creative Works Exhibition

Expert Juror, Shanghai City Image Creative Collection

Jury Member, Shanghai Student Design Art Competition

Executive Design Director of Sculptures, Expo Center, Shanghai World Expo

Books and Textbooks

[1] Liu, Y. (n.d.). Liu Yi's pure innocence. Tongji University Press.

[2] Liu, Y. (n.d.). Landscape sculpture. Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press.

[3] Liu, Y. (Second author). (n.d.). In and out of class: Public art teaching cases. Shanghai University Press.

[4] Liu, Y. (n.d.). Together: Practice and reflection on public art creation [Teaching reference material].

Major Curatorial Projects

[1] Liu, Y. (2026). Era of co-creation public art exhibition [Curatorial project]. Pudong Workers' Cultural Palace, Shanghai, China.

[2] Liu, Y. (Co-curator). (2025). Mind-body symbiosis healing art practice invitation exhibition [Curatorial project]. Shanghai, China.

[3] Liu, Y. (2024–2025). Global camp [Curatorial project]. World Design Cities Conference (WDCC), Shanghai, China.

[4] Liu, Y. (2021–2025). Wanli sightseeing light art season [Curatorial project]. Shanghai, China.

[5] Liu, Y. (2016). Design gas station [Curatorial project]; Head of Design domain activation project. Shanghai Art and Design Exhibition, Shanghai, China.

[6] Liu, Y. (2015). Lumières China light art festival [Curatorial project]. Shanghai, China.

[7] Liu, Y. (2013). Head of Shanghai redesign invitation exhibition. Shanghai Art and Design Exhibition, Shanghai, China.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

[1] Liu, Y. (2025). Dictionary of daily life [Solo exhibition]. A4 Art Museum, Chengdu, China.

[2] Liu, Y. (2023). Moment [Solo exhibition]. Baicaode Tea TEART, China.

[3] Liu, Y. (2023). Liu Yi: Wandering observation [Solo exhibition]. SunS Living Gallery, Beijing, China.

[4] Liu, Y. (2022). Scenes shift with steps [Solo exhibition]. Tsutaya Books, Columbia Circle, Shanghai, China.

[5] Liu, Y. (2022). There is never a boring moment [Solo exhibition]. Fosun Foundation, Shanghai, China.

[6] Liu, Y. (2022). Liu Yi: All things are bright and beautiful [Solo exhibition]. M Art Space, Shanghai, China.

[7] Liu, Y. (2022). Liu Yi: From outside, walk inside, then look out again [Solo exhibition]. Biyun Art Museum, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

[8] Liu, Y. (2022). Biodiversity [Solo project]. BFC Bund Art Season, Shanghai, China.

[9] Liu, Y. (2022). Modern nature [Solo project]. BFC Bund Art Season, Shanghai, China.

[10] Liu, Y. (2021). Meeting point [Solo exhibition]. THE SPACE Gallery, China.

[11] Liu, Y. (2020). Forest of love [Immersive theater exhibition]. Shanghai Growth Festival, 1862 Fashion Art Center, Shanghai, China.

[12] Liu, Y. (2019). Art and technology — Liu Yi's daily life [Solo exhibition]. MOCA Art Pavilion, Shanghai, China.

[13] Liu, Y. (2018). Mobile phone painting series: Twelve months [Solo exhibition]. Cultural and Education Section, German Consulate General in Shanghai, Shanghai, China.

[14] Liu, Y. (2018). Liu Yi solo exhibition [Solo exhibition]. S-NOW, Naebono, Japan.

Selected Group Exhibitions

[1] Liu, Y. (2025). Echo and resonance [Shortlisted works exhibition]. Global Public Art Call, East Building of Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, China.

[2] Liu, Y. (2025). Birdsong radio documentary exhibition [Group exhibition]. Shanghai Haipai Art Museum, Shanghai, China.

[3] Liu, Y. (2025). Botanical correspondence [Group exhibition]. Shanghai Botanical Garden International Artists Group Exhibition, Shanghai, China.

[4] Liu, Y. (2025). Source from soil [Group exhibition]. Contemporary Visual Art Ecological Exhibition, China.

[5] Liu, Y. (2025). Care diary [Artwork]. In "She/They in the eyes of artists" group exhibition. Langfeng Art Gallery, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

[6] Liu, Y. (2025). Safe house (blue, red, yellow) [Artwork]. In "Love" series: I am myself, we are ourselves. Biyun Art Museum, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

[7] Liu, Y. (2024). (Mobile phone painting) Shanghai birdsong [Artwork]. IP SHANGHAI, China International Import Expo, Shanghai, China.

[8] Liu, Y. (2024). Neighbor, Light speaker, Ink stone 2, Birdsong radio [Artworks]. In More skies. Amanyangyun Courtyard No.50, Shanghai, China.

[9] Liu, Y. (2024). Connection · synesthesia [Group exhibition]. Jing'an Temple Square, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China.

[10] Liu, Y. (2023). Ink stone, Spring speaker [Artworks]. In World Design Cities Conference 2023 (WDCC 2023). Shanghai, China.

[11] Liu, Y. (2023). Neighbor [Artwork]. In voyage ATAMI Atami City Art Festival. Atami, Japan; East Asia City of Culture 2023, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

[12] Liu, Y. (2023). Never, Boring, Moment [Artworks]. In 3rd Bund Art Season 2023. Yuyuan Mall, Shanghai, China.

[13] Liu, Y. (2023). Play [Artwork]. In Echo of the neighborhood — 2nd anniversary of THE BOOKAND. Poly Time, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China.

[14] Liu, Y. (2022). Wind from the sea 2022 — Transformation of Baowu and art community field [Community project & workshop]. China Art Museum, Shanghai, China.

[15] Liu, Y. (2022). Birdsong radio [Artwork]. Zhu Qizhan Art Museum, Shanghai, China.

[16] Liu, Y. (2022). 20170707 [Artwork]. In Love around — An exhibition about memory. Biyun Art Museum, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

[17] Liu, Y. (2022). 20200119 [Artwork]. West Bund Art & Design Fair 2022, Shanghai, China.

[18] Liu, Y. (2022). Trust and sharing — Liu Yi's mobile phone paintings [Art project]. In Inaugural World Design Cities Conference 2022 (WDCC 2022). Shanghai, China.

[19] Liu, Y. (2022). Hey, human, Polar bear [Artworks]. In BFC Bund Art Season. Shanghai, China.

[20] Liu, Y. (2022). Song of childhood [Artwork]. Online exhibition hall, Biyun Art Museum, Pudong, Shanghai, China.

[21] Liu, Y. (2021). Child [Artwork]. In 2nd Shanghai Fish International Public Art Biennale — Youyi. Nianfeng Park, Shanghai, China.

[22] Liu, Y. (2020). Blessings from the fields [Artwork]. In 2020 China Yanping Rural Art Season. Yuqing Village, China.

[23] Liu, Y. (2019). Form-1 [Artwork]. In Kind strangers inaugural exhibition. UNArt Art Center, Shanghai, China.

[24] Liu, Y. (2019). Play [Artwork]. In 5th iSTART Children's Art Festival. A4 Art Museum, Chengdu, China.

[25] Liu, Y. (2018). Mobile phone painting series: 31 days (2017.08.01–2018.08.31) [Artworks]. Museum of Contemporary Art, Shanghai, China.

Selected Public Art Works

[1] Liu, Y. (2026). Light speaker and birds [Light installation]. Pudong Workers' Cultural Palace, Shanghai, China.

[2] Liu, Y. (2022–present). Birdsong radio [Participatory public art project]. Multiple sites across China.

[3] Liu, Y. (2015–present). Mobile phone painting series [Ongoing artistic practice].

[4] Liu, Y. (2025). Square-round chair [Furniture design]. World Design Cities Conference (WDCC), Shanghai, China.

[5] Liu, Y. (2025). Heaven and earth, clouds, breeze, flowing water and stones, Parallel screen universe [Artworks]. West Bund Art & Design Fair, West Bund Dream Center, Shanghai, China.

[6] Liu, Y. (2025). Neighbor, Homeland [Public artworks]. World Design Cities Conference 2025, Shanghai, China.

[7] Liu, Y. (2025). Light speaker [Light installation]. Shanghai Urban Space Art Season 2025, Shanghai, China.

[8] Liu, Y. (2025). Epic of daily life [Light art]. Shanghai International Light Festival 2025, Shanghai, China.

[9] Liu, Y. (2025). Birdsong radio – Neighbor [Sound art project]. Paris Design Week 2025, Paris, France.

[10] Liu, Y. (2025). Light speaker [Light installation]. Instituto Cervantes, Spain.

[11] Liu, Y. (2025). Hmm~ This moment is wonderful [Public art project]. Rushi Sea International Public Art Season, China.

[12] Liu, Y. (2025). Liu Yi: Skyline surface [Site-specific art]. West Bund Air Shaft, Shanghai, China.

[13] Liu, Y. (2025). Light speaker [Light installation]. Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai, China.

[14] Liu, Y. (2025). Deer and crane in spring [Sculpture]. Poetry of symbiosis sculpture season, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China.

[15] Liu, Y. (2025). Neighbor [Public artwork]. Gulangyu Academy of Fine Arts, Xiamen, China.

[16] Liu, Y. (2024). Light speaker [Light installation]. Forge ahead · all things thrive coastal corridor installation art exhibition, China.

[17] Liu, Y. (2024). Stardust daily life [Artwork]. 19th FOTCIENCIA Science Photography Exhibition, Miguel de Cervantes Library, China.

[18] Liu, Y. (2024). This moment is wonderful – Flower fairy, Drunken flowers [Public artworks]. Dianchi Local Culture Art Season 2024, Dianchi Lake, Kunming, Yunnan, China.

[19] Liu, Y. (2023). Homeland, Chinese toon tree, Flower and moon [Public artworks]. Symbiosis theme, 2023 Shanghai Urban Space Art Season, Shanghai, China.

[20] Liu, Y. (2023). Let's go tea picking!, Deer and crane in spring [Public artworks]. Art in Fuliang, Fuliang County, Jingdezhen, China.

[21] Liu, Y. (2023). Oh, this moment is wonderful [Public art]. Rhythm of Jinjiang – Chengdu Urban Life Art Season, Da'an East Road Bridge, Chengdu, China.

[22] Liu, Y. (2023). Xinhua Road window project [Public art project]. Xinhua Road, Shanghai, China.

[23] Liu, Y. (2023). "Open-air art museum" inaugural exhibition: Liu Yi's community murals [Mural project]. Dong'er Residential Community, Shanghai, China.

[24] Liu, Y. (2022). Liu Yi mobile phone painting series: 2015.4.14–present [Digital art]. The 1st Annual METAVERSE Art @ VENICE, Venice, Italy.

[25] Liu, Y. (2022). Birdsong radio – Huanggang "legends" [Site-specific sound art]. Guangdong Nanhai Art Field, Nanhai, Foshan, China.

[26] Liu, Y., & Zhang, B. (2022). Site-specific collaborative project [Collaborative artwork]. 9th Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (Shenzhen), Dawanshi Residence, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, China.

[27] Liu, Y. (2022). Spring in all directions – 2023 No.1 Department Store commercial center public art project [Public art project]. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai, China.

[28] Liu, Y. (2022). Future e-pet [Public artwork]. Tongpai Hotel, China.

[29] Liu, Y. (2021). LOOK [Mural]. West Bund Dream Center, Shanghai, China.

[30] Liu, Y. (2021). 20200802 [Mural]. Xuhui West Bund Waterfront Hub S1 Space, Shanghai, China.

[31] Liu, Y. (2021). Spring speaker [Sculpture]. 2nd Shanghai Fish International Public Art Biennale – Youyi, Shanghai Fish Sculpture Art Park, Shanghai, China.

[32] Liu, Y. (2020). Revival of the golden house [Site-specific art]. 2020 China Yanping Rural Art Season, Guyuan Village, China.

[33] Liu, Y. (2020). Three trees, three stories [Mural]. 3Trees VIP Lounge, West Bund Art & Design Fair, Shanghai, China.

[34] Liu, Y. (2020). No cloudy days [Public art]. Farm of Xitang Næra Hotel, Xitang, China.

[35] Liu, Y. (2020). Paradise 20152020 [Public art]. TODTIME Time Gallery Public Art Exhibition, Xinzhuang South Square Bus Terminal, Shanghai, China.

[36] Liu, Y. (2019). Hmm~~~ This moment is wonderful :)* [Public sculpture]. Shanghai Fish International Public Art Biennale, Fengxian District, Shanghai, China.

[37] Liu, Y. (2019). Dancing treasure tree [Public art]. Urban spectrum project, Qixin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China.

[38] Liu, Y. (2019). Bloom [Sculpture]. China Art Museum, Shanghai, China.

[39] Liu, Y. (2017). Hey, human! [Public artwork]. Shanghai sky II, Yuz Museum, Shanghai, China.

[40] Liu, Y. (2017). Light species (I) [Light performance]. Opening performance of Shanghai Fashion Week, Sun Ke Villa, Shanghai, China.

[41] Liu, Y. (2017). Light species (II) [Site-specific art]. Dessau-Wörlitz Royal Garden event project, Bauhaus Dessau, Germany.

[42] Liu, Y. (2016). Seed planet [Public art]. Shanghai Project, Century Park, Shanghai, China.

[43] Liu, Y. (2016). Echo wall [Public art]. Hongqiao Tiandi, Shanghai, China.

[44] Liu, Y. (2016). Hey, human! [Public artwork]. Ganghui Art Center, Shenzhen, China.

[45] Liu, Y. (2016). Hill in the backyard [Public artwork]. Beyond design_OO! CHINA, Milan Design Week 2016, Milan, Italy.

[46] Liu, Y. (2015). Vein [Public art]. Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai, China.

[47] Liu, Y. (2015). Community fantasy [Public art]. Xintiandi South Block Plaza, Shanghai, China.

[48] Liu, Y. (2013). Snake pavilion [Public installation]. Xintiandi South Block Plaza, Shanghai, China.

Honors and Awards

[1] Liu, Y. (2023). Annual Public Art Project Award [Award]. M50 Shanghai Contemporary Art Week, Shanghai, China.

[2] Liu, Y. (2023). Work Smile of the earth selected for the 4th China Design Exhibition and Public Art Thematic Exhibition [Selection]. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China.

[3] Liu, Y. (2021). Starlight Award [Award]. Shenzhen Light Art Season, for Light speaker.

[4] Tang, C., Wu, Y., Liu, Y., & Lu, Z. (2021). Dawn Light Award [Award]. Shenzhen Light Art Season, for Between nature and post-nature.

[5] Liu, Y. (2020). Silver Award [Award]. Global Art and Design Works, 2020 IOAF International Ocean Art Festival.

[6] Liu, Y. (2017). Second Prize of Shanghai Municipal Teaching Achievement Award [Award]. Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, for Practice and exploration of professional education model of art implanted in medical space.

[7] Liu, Y. (2016). John Moores Painting Prize (China) shortlist [Selection]. For Diary 2015/4/14 – 2015/12/19.

[8] Liu, Y. (2008). First Prize of University Teaching Achievement Award [Award]. For Innovation of joint course model for basic art design teaching.

[9] Liu, Y. (2005). Young Artist Academic Award [Award]. "Charm of Harmony" Creative Photography Competition, China.