A white typographic logo reading "A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

ON VIEW:
Aug 22 - Dec 2, 2023

A painted portrait of a woman wearing a textured orange hijab. Two small mice are on the hijab by her chin.The background is bright blue with stalks of yellow corn and green and blue circles. The brushwork is loose and fluid.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Official Portraits: Immigrant, edition, 12/30, 2006, lithograph and collage, 30 1/4 x 30 inches, Published by Shark's Ink., Lyons, CO, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A painted portrait of a young Black boy with short curly hair. His face is illuminated from the left by harsh sunlight. The tones of his skin are created using brushstrokes of a wide spectrum of colors, veined with think orange, green, and blue lines, creating an effect that is at once naturalistic and surreal.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Clarence Weems, edition 3/9, 2018, monotype with gold leaf, 35 x 34 inches, Published by Trillium Graphics Studio, Brisbane, CA, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu

From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

I paint from historical photographs of people; the majority of them had no name, no bio, no story left. Nothing. I feel they are kind of lost souls, spirit-ghosts. My painting is a memorial site for them. 


—Hung Liu     


Groundbreaking Chinese American artist Hung Liu (1948–2021) made highly narrative images that foregrounded workers, immigrants, refugees, women, children, and soldiers in haunting, incandescent portraits that mingle Chinese and Western artistic traditions. Liu was born in Changchun, China, and her childhood and youth coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history. After her arrival in San Diego, California, in 1984, Liu became one of the first Chinese artists to establish a career in the United States. Decades later, she would be justly celebrated for establishing novel frameworks for understanding visual art’s relationship to history by focusing on communities misrepresented and marginalized by official narratives. 


Liu experienced political revolution, exile, and displacement before immigrating to the United States. She came of age during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution (1966–76) and was consequently forced to labor in the fields in her early twenties. After studying art in Beijing, she left China to attend graduate school at the University of California, San Diego. There, the experimental tendencies of the students and faculty, most notably those of performance artist Allan Kaprow (1927–2006) and art historian Moira Roth (1933–2021), helped cultivate her conceptual approach to portraiture.


Featuring highly experimental painting, printing, and weaving techniques, Liu’s challenging yet accessible oeuvre has been aptly characterized by her husband, the art critic Jeff Kelley, as a species of “weeping realism.” Titled A Question of Hu, after China scholar Jonathan Spence’s 1988 book The Question of Hu, the exhibition reintroduces Liu’s remarkable art to the Pacific Northwest, while demonstrating—as few artistic oeuvres can—an expanded view of citizenship in an era of seismic change that is also fundamentally marked by evolving ideas of artistic solidarity and collaboration.

This exhibition is curated by Christian Viveros-Fauné, in conjunction with Converge 45 Biennial Program, Social Forms: Art As Global Citizenship.

Accessibility initiatives have been made possible by a grant from the Richard & Helen Phillips Charitable Fund.

About Social Forms:

Social Forms: Art As Global Citizenship is curated by Christian Viveros-Fauné and organized by Converge 45 and its institutional partners as part of its 2023 citywide exhibition. With more than 50 artists presenting work at over 15 venues spanning the city of Portland, the exhibition centers on the idea of art-as-a-social-form: contemporary and historical artworks that ask us to consider global power shifts taking place in contemporary society. 

 

About Converge 45:

Converge 45 supports Portland’s creative ecosystem by promoting the work of artists & organizations in the Pacific Northwest and improving access to broader art discourses within our communities.

A-Question-of-Hu-Brochure-1.pdf

Please take a look at the exhibition brochure online. 

Exhibition content was written by Christian Viveros-Fané, and Heather Lee Birdsong designed the brochure. All images © Hung Liu Estate /Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York. Free copies are available at the front desk throughout the exhibition.

Past Events + Programs

Thursday, August 24
A Question of Hu Opening Reception
1:00–3:00 pm

Join us for the opening reception A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Groundbreaking Chinese American artist Hung Liu (1948–2021) made highly narrative images that foregrounded workers, immigrants, refugees, women, children, and soldiers in haunting, incandescent portraits that mingle Chinese and Western artistic traditions.

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE >

Saturday, September 2
Exhibition Tour
1:00-2:00 pm

JSMA at PSU is pleased to present a public tour of A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Led by JSMA staff, the tour will cover highlights of the exhibition.

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE >

Saturday, September 9
Storytime at the PSU Farmers Market
10:00am-12:00pm


Join us for Storytime at the Portland Farmers Market, led by Latoya Lovely. Lovely will read stories exploring culture and identity to children and their guardians.


Weather Permitting: The storytime booth will be located in the South Park Blocks between the Portland State University Blackstone Residence Hall and Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU), near 1831 SW Park Avenue. 

This program is geared towards pre-K through early elementary students. Children must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the event. 

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE > 

Thursday, September 21
Write Your Story
5:00-7:00 pm 

Are you interested in capturing your family’s story in writing? Join us for writing workshops this quarter that will guide participants in writing personal stories about family relationships, first and second generation experiences, and immigration. No previous writing experience necessary. This workshop will be led by Write Around Portland, an agency workshop built around a model of freewriting and accessibility. Space is limited. 

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE >

Thursday, September 28
Night at the Museum
5:00-7:00 pm 

As part of Portland State University's campus-wide Viking Days events, JSMA at PSU is excited to welcome all students returning to campus this fall to join us for a Night at the Museum. Come enjoy some light snacks, music by DJ Velvet Ginger, and our new exhibition, A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu From The Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. 

This program is free and open to PSU students.


ABOUT VIKING DAYS >

Saturday, October 7
Exhibition Tour
1:00-2:00 pm

JSMA at PSU is pleased to present a public tour of A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Led by JSMA staff, the tour will cover highlights of the exhibition.

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE >

Thursday, October 19
Write Your Story
5:00-7:00 pm 

Are you interested in capturing your family’s story in writing? Join us for writing workshops this quarter that will guide participants in writing personal stories about family relationships, first and second generation experiences, and immigration. No previous writing experience necessary. This workshop will be led by Jessica Yen. 

This program is free and open to the public. Please make ASL requests two weeks in advance.


RSVP HERE >

Thursday, October 26
Centering Chinese People in Oregon's Early History
5:30-6:30 pm


Join us for a lecture with Dr. Jennifer Fang as she examines pioneers and trailblazers in Oregon and challenges us to rethink our ideas around these terms. Fang will share with us the history of Oregon's earliest Chinese immigrants and how these individuals shaped the foundations of Oregon as a state.

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE >

Saturday, October 28
Storytime at the PSU Farmers Market
10:00am-12:00pm


Join us for Storytime at the Portland Farmers Market, led by Latoya Lovely. Lovely will read stories exploring culture and identity to children and their guardians.


Weather Permitting: The storytime booth will be located in the South Park Blocks between the Portland State University Blackstone Residence Hall and Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU), near 1831 SW Park Avenue. 

This program is geared towards pre-K through early elementary students. Children must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the event. 

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE > 

Saturday, November 4
Exhibition Tour
1:00-2:00 pm


JSMA at PSU is pleased to present a public tour of A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation and Mundos posibles / Possible Worlds. Led by JSMA staff, the tour will cover highlights of both exhibitions.

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE > 

Sunday, November 5
Conversation about Hung Liu's Work and Legacy
1:00-2:00pm


Join us for a conversation with Hung Liu's husband Jeff Kelly, a noted art critic and historian, and Dorothy Moss, Director of the Hung Liu Estate. Jordan Schnitzer will also join the discussion, as a longtime collector of Hung Liu's work. This will be moderated by Christian Viveros-Fauné, Converge 45 Biennial Guest Curator. 

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE > 

Thursday, November 9
Write Your Story
5:00-7:00 pm


Are you interested in capturing your family’s story in writing? Join us for writing workshops this quarter that will guide participants in writing personal stories about family relationships, first and second generation experiences, and immigration. No previous writing experience necessary. 


This workshop will be led by Write Around Portland, an agency workshop built around a model of freewriting and accessibility. Space is limited.



This program is free and open to the public. Please make ASL requests two weeks in advance.*


RSVP HERE >

Saturday, November 11
Storytime with Latoya Lovely
10:00am-12:00pm


Join us for Storytime with Portland-based artist Latoya Lovely. Lovely will read stories exploring culture and identity to children and their guardians.


Due to seasonal changes, this event will take place inside the JSMA at PSU galleries, located inside Fariborz Maseeh Hall, near the center of the Farmers Market. Come inside to warm up!

This program is geared towards pre-K through early elementary students. Children must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the event. 

This program is free and open to the public. ASL interpreting will be provided.*


RSVP HERE > 

*Accessibility initiatives have been made possible by a grant from the Richard & Helen Phillips Charitable Fund.

Featured Works

A wide painting showing a large dandelion puffball with most of its seeds missing. To the right is a portrait of a young Chinese girl with braided hair wearing a pink garment with a Mandarin collar and a beaded necklace with a large white pendant. The background is a kaleidoscopic mix of blue, green, and pink brushtrokes.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Scattered Seed II (detail), edition 12/30, 2015, color lithograph with aluminum leaf, 22 1/4 x 44 1/2 inches, Published by Shark's Ink., Lyons, Colorado, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Strode Photographic, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Official Portraits: Citizen, edition 12/30, 2006, lithograph and collage, 30 1/4 x 30 inches, Published by Shark's Ink., Lyons, CO, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

Two women ride donkeys saddled with large baskets across an open plain in the sun. The woman in front opens her robe to breastfeed a baby, whom she holds while simultaneously controlling the donkey's reins. Two large brown ducks fly by on the left. There are distant trees and purple mountains.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Western Wind, 2006, oil on canvas, 80 x 80 inches, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A long line of shirtless men carrying long sticks across their shoulder, with large buckets of water hanging from each end of the stick. The water carriers, wearing straw hats and stabilizing the buckets with their hands, ascend a winding stone staircase leading to a village in the background.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Water Carriers, (detail) 2014, oil on canvas, 80 x 80 inches, Collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A painting of a young girl in a dress standing on a plank over a pond and leaning down to fill a bucket. The background features a vibrant, abstract hillside covered in flowers. Throughout the painting, veins of bright reds and oranges are used to outline detailed areas, creating a naturalistic yet surreal effect.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Dream Catcher, editions 3/8, 2017, cotton Jacquard tapestry, 75 x 76 inches, Published by Magnolia Editions, Oakland, CA, Collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A wide painting featuring a painting of a white plant. To the right is a portrait of a child wearing a purple garment with a mandarin collar and a yellow pendant on the chest. The background is a mix of various pastel pinks, blues, and yellow brushtrokes.

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Scattered Seed I, edition 12/30, 2015, color lithograph with gold leaf, 22 1/4 x 44 1/2 inches, Published by Shark's Ink., Lyons, Colorado, Collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, Image: Strode Photographic, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York

A painting of five laborers working in a field holding large tools. The three women in the foreground are talking and smiling. The right quarter of the painting is taken up by a loosely brushed field of orange with red at the bottom, and a dull metal star hanging from a hook in the canvas

Hung Liu (American, born China 1948-2021), Loess Plateau, 2015, oil on canvas and metal star, 60 x 84 inches, Collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, Image: Aaron Wessling Photography, © Hung Liu Estate/Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York