A Striking Critique of Modern Society: YuYu’s Bold Take on the ‘Tortured Genius’

Paris, France – Internationally acclaimed artist YuLiang Liu, also known as YuYu, is proud to announce the opening of their latest exhibition, entitled “GAG”. Taking place at the IHAM Gallery in Paris from May 10 to May 20, 2023, the exhibition sits within the current socio-political climate, marked as it is by ongoing debates surrounding control, power, and identity. Against this backdrop, YuYu’s GAG reflects the complex interplay of power dynamics within modern societies while it draws inspiration from the underground club and BDSM cultures.

YuYu is a Berlin-based artist who uses digital collages to create thought-provoking and unconventional artworks. Born in Taiwan, YuYu’s artistic journey began when he relocated to Europe and began exploring his identity as a queer Asian in Western society. YuYu’s work bridges disparate styles, media, and eras, utilizing Western cultural history to challenge conventional definitions of art and offer a modern perspective on beauty while critiquing elitist and theological attitudes toward art.

“GAG is about disguised power dynamics in contemporary societies”, says YuYu. “I want to exaggerate the idea of the “tortured genius” and explore the changing relationships and the impact it generates both within the art world and also society at large.”

Through the three new works presented in this exhibition, YuYu explores the concept of the ‘tortured genius’ as it relates to the primary pillars of religion, politics, and the self. By examining the struggles and personal issues that are often romanticized as indispensable elements of creative output, YuYu seeks to expose the underlying hierarchies that exist between the artist and society. The concept of the ‘tortured genius’ is thus used as a lens through which to explore the broader themes of dominance and submission, highlighting the ways in which power is wielded and controlled in different contexts. Additionally, video art elements, a soundscape, and an interesting play with the lightning set-up will ensure the complete transformation of the space to something uniquely YuYu. GAG’s soundscape has been produced in partnership with London-based music producer MarcelDune.

In addition to the immersive installation, throughout the exhibition, the gallery and artist will organize panel discussions with leading figures in the web3 space, exploring the future of art in the digital realm. The event program can be obtained by reaching out to the Public Relations Representative for YuYu.


The exhibition is presented in partnership with IHAM Gallery and SuperRare. IHAM Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of Paris, with a focus on presenting the work of established and emerging artists working in a variety of media. SuperRare is the leading curated platform for digital art, where artists can sell their work as limited-edition pieces backed by blockchain technology.

IHAM Gallery:
www.ihamnft.com
twitter.com/ihamnft
www.instagram.com/ihamnft

Gallery Open Hours:
Wed-Sat: 14h-20h
46 Bd Henri IV, 75004 Paris, France

YuYu:
twitter.com/cyber_yuyu
www.instagram.com/yuliangliubln

YuLiang Liu – YUYU

Yuyu, also known as Cyber_Yuyu and YuLiang Liu, is a Berlin-based appropriating artist and
photographer using collage to create thought-provoking and unconventional artworks. Born in
Taiwan, Yuyu’s artistic journey began over a decade ago when he relocated to Europe and began
exploring his identity as a queer Asian in Western society. His work bridges disparate styles,
media, and eras, utilizing Western cultural history and celebrating individuality in all its diversity.
Yuyu’s artwork challenges conventional definitions of art, offering a modern perspective on beauty
while critiquing elitist and theological attitudes towards art.

Yuyu holds a post-professional Master’s Degree in Architecture from TungHai University in Taiwan
and has worked alongside industry leaders, including “ARCHIMAN Architects” in Shanghai and
“ROEWU Architecture” in London. He has also worked as a Teaching Assistant for 3D Software at
Columbia University in the UK. Prior to his involvement in the crypto space, Yuyu’s artworks have
been featured in several publications, including Siegessaule Magazine – Germany’s leading
cultural media platform – and have been exhibited in a number of local and international group
exhibitions, as well as a solo show at SoHo House Berlin. One of Yuyu’s artworks is owned by the
Tom of Finland Foundation, Los Angeles, California.

Since 2021, Yuyu’s work has gained international recognition in the world of non-fungible tokens,
with his artworks being exhibited in major cities around the world, such as New York, Tokyo, Paris,
Madrid, and Amsterdam. His artworks have been collected by influential figures such as NorCal,
Jacqueline Stripes, and Jean-Michel Paihlon among others.