Cut paper Artist- solo Exhibit at The Carnegie

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center presents the exhibit Cutting Edge: Paper Art by Michael Liu, November 15, 2011 through January 14, 2012.  The solo exhibit includes pieces of art which the artist creates utitilizing his own intricate paper cutting techniques, and his detailed portraits in charcoal and graphite on paper.

Michael Liu was born in Kweishan, Taiwan in 1962, the grandson of the city’s mayor.  At the local high school he was both an avid artist and track star, winning several national medals.  In 1985 he graduated from the College of Engineering in Kaohsiung and began his military service.  After working as an engineer for several years, he returned to his early interest in art and opened galleries in Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Evadon, Switzerland.  At first he handled only works by other artists, specializing in prints from the Yunan School, but then he began to produce his own art both in charcoal and acrylic.  At this time Michael also worked actively as an interior designer, often providing the art that his clients needed.

Michael’s art is self taught and reflects his personal interests and his experiences in both the Chinese culture in which he grew up and the Western culture which he experienced as an adult.  Using his detailed and realistic style he does portraits in charcoal and in pencil.  Often these are interesting people and sometimes animals, especially dogs.

Since 2008 Michael has explored an interest in paper cutting, an art form that has roots in both Chinese and Japanese art.  In the US we may think of the cut-paper silhouettes that were popular in our Federal period as an early antecedent, but anyone who has seen Michael’s cut paper portraits knows that he has pioneered a new approach to capture personalities in three dimensions.

Today, Michael divides his time between Taiwan and Alabama.  His bicultural life is expressed in his signature which overlaps his western name with his Chinese personal stamp.  Michael creates art as inspired and by private commission.

Special Events

Artist Reception and Fri. @ 5

Fri. @ 5, the monthly member reception, will be November 18, 2011 and December 16, 2011 from

5 PM- 7 PM each evening. The November Fri@ 5 will also be the artist reception with Michael Liu as the guest of honor. Appetizers and complimentary beverages will be served. Food will be provided by friends of the artist on November 18th  and courtesy of Albany Bistro on December 16th.  Suggested admission is $5 for Carnegie members and $15 for non-members. Attendees should be 21 years of age.

Lunch and Learn - Paper Cutting Demonstration

On December 2nd  from Noon to 1 PM, Micheal Liu will demonstrate his intricate cutting techniques he uses to make his unique art. He will show samples of his work and answer questions about his art and his inspirations. The demonstration is free but reservations are encouraged because of limited seating. Call 256-341-0562 to make reservations.

Hi-res images available by request. Regular museum hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM.

The Carnegie is located at 207 Church St. NE Decatur, Alabama 35601.