In the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 , Liu Qiming carried out his art project “Masks”. As usual, Liu Qiming concealed his identity as an artist and participated in the project as a volunteer, mobilizing ordinary people and grassroots organizations, including congressmen, to participate in the implementation of my “Masks” project. During the 100-day implementation period, more than 200 volunteers were mobilized to donate a total of 250,000 masks and disinfectants. Every day, 5-10 volunteers drove to various hospitals, post offices, police stations and other frontline departments in Queens to deliver the supplies to the staff in need through coordination.
On May 30th, Liu Qiming brought the NYRCA Art Organization together with Meng Wanzhou, a representative of the United Nations,, free masks and other protective equipment were distributed to local residents in Elmhurst Park, which is a gathering place for Hispanic and Chinese communities.
On March 24, 2020, artist Liu Qiming, as a volunteer, drove some of the epidemic protection materials (masks and disinfectant) to the medical staff of Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, the hospital with the most intensively ill patients in New York City.
On May 30, 2020, artist Liu Qiming, together with several non-governmental organizations and Congressman Grace Meng, distributed free masks and disinfectant to local residents in Elmhurst Park, Queens, New York City, where Hispanic and Chinese Americans gather.
“Sensitive Words” Liu Qiming’s Performance Art Piece, June 4, 2010.
On June 4th, 2010, Liu Qiming carried out a performance art piece called “Sensitive Words” in Beijing. The performance took place on a special day that has become a taboo topic in China for over 20 years. Here, the artist used “Sensitive Words” as a way of personal memory and commemoration for that day.
“12X20cm Length” by Liu Qiming, a performance piece in 2012.
In Liu Qiming’s 2012 performance art piece, “12X20cm in Length,” “face masks” continued to be an extension of his concept of “Sensitive Words.” By slowly and painstakingly unraveling the mask, he attempted to reduce it to its original material form without any particular reference.
Since immigrating to the United States in 2017, Liu Qiming has been actively practicing the “Artist is Anyone” project, which seems to be a tribute to Joseph Beuys’ statement that “everyone is an artist.” Through conversations, we learn that Liu Qiming’s actions are rooted in his own profound and unique thoughts. At different times, he assumes various roles in society, such as a driver, businessman, chef, deliveryman, volunteer, etc. This is not a performance, but rather a practical engagement with different social identities.
