Meet the Artist
Dan
Liu
aka. Dan / 奇丹, Drawing & Painting - Digital Painting and Expanded Animation
“OCAD University expanded my horizons to uncharted territories in pursuing visual expression. As a result, I now practice my arts in the direction of multi-staged and interdisciplinary approaches. The subjects often involve the interaction between the fragile environment and our industrialized civilizations from temporal and spatial development perspectives. Besides various analogue instruments to express art on paper and canvas, I'm also focusing on utilizing computer applications for 3D animation and 2D video compositing for digital artwork creations. So, my current primary concentration is building a harmonious fusion between digital moving graphics and more traditional analogue paintings.Ultimately, I hope I can observe our world from the perspective of contemporary scientific understanding, from which infinite creative possibilities are enabled, allowing storytelling for some of our biggest global concerns, such as climate crises or humanitarian emergencies.”
Dan Liu is an artist whose journey reflects a fusion of diverse cultures, disciplines, and mediums. He was trained under nationally renowned artists and educated at prestigious institutions such as the Fine Arts School Affiliated to the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, as well as Seneca College and OCAD University in Canada. Dan's artistic trajectory has evolved into a multidimensional exploration of the intersection between art, science, and technology. During his formative years in China, Dan's artistic foundation was grounded in classical realism. His academic pursuits culminated in a specialization in Drawing & Painting, focusing on Digital Painting and Expanded Animation at OCAD University in Toronto. Throughout his studies, Dan's work has garnered recognition through numerous scholarships and awards, affirming his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.Dan's artistic vision extends beyond mere representation, delving into the complexities of contemporary existence, particularly the interplay between humanity and the environment in an industrialized world. His oeuvre embodies a harmonious fusion of digital and analogue techniques, incorporating 3D visualization, animation, and video compositing elements. Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between scientific progress and artistic expression, Dan seeks to deepen his understanding of this connection through further education. His postgraduate enrolment in the Master of Art program in Art and Science at the University of the Arts London - Central Saint Martins reflects his commitment to interdisciplinary exploration and innovation.As Dan Liu continues to traverse the boundaries of artistic expression, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and inquiry in shaping our understanding of the world. Through his art, he invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, where imagination meets innovation in a quest for deeper insight and connection.
OCAD U - Faculty of Art
Drawing and Painting: Digital Painting and Expanded Animation
Major Completed, 2024
The Glasgow School of Art
One Semester Exchange Program - 3rd Year Painting & Printmaking
Major Completed, 2023
Seneca College
Digital Media Arts
Major Completed, 2004
The Fine Arts School Affiliated to the China Central Academy of Fine Arts
Drawing & Painting
Major Completed, 2000
Drawing & Painting Photography & Darkroom Adobe Creative Suite Computer 2D Animation 3D Modelling & Animation Video Compositing Illustration Graphic Design (Printing & Web Based)