Humorous Animal Ink Paintings by Weishui Liu: The Art of De-Attachment and Taking Life Not Too Seriously.

For a very long time, Chinese ink painter Weishui Liu took their craft very seriously. How could they not? They were practicing an ancient art technique that was almost as old as Chinese civilization itself. However, for the past few years, due to the state of the world, having severely affected their mental health, Liu decided to create their own contemporary version of the Chinese ink painting to create an atmosphere of joy. 

Now, when viewers reach their website, they are met with the declaration, “I draw bravely to make your life more fun.” In the process of braving stigma for breaking an age-old ink painting tradition, Weishui Liu has developed a humorous style. The age-old technique is now used to create wide-eyed animals and humans. The paintings are created as a means to cheer up both themselves and their audiences. It shows that when life gets a bit too tedious, there are ways to have fun and that finding mental relief can be uncomplicated, utilizing the materials that one already has access to. This is why ink paintings by Weishui Liu are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being.

Oddly enough, sometimes Liu’s messages get lost in the ether. Commenters on their social media have bullied them for their art style, as many believe that the works cannot be categorized as Chinese ink painting. However, Liu has often stated that they are creating their own contemporary rendition of the art genre, one that allows them to create their own silly characters with traditional Chinese ink painting techniques, tools, and mediums. 

Liu’s paintings resemble scenes from a cartoon. Dr. David Rosmarin from the New York City Center for Anxiety said in an interview with Vice that watching cartoons is a great way to treat depression. It is also recommended for people with chronic worry that co-occurs with depression. In a concurrent interview with Vice, Dr. Laurel Steinberg, a New York City-based psychotherapist, gave her testimony to how watching cartoons can restore people’s sense of optimism. She explains that this phenomenon occurs because of how it engages people’s basic problem-solving skills, helping those with anxiety and depression to understand that most of life's problems are not unsolvable.

At a time of a multitude of global upheavals, Liu’s paintings provide their audiences with some much-needed momentary relief. By embracing a whimsical, contemporary style, Liu not only challenges traditional ideas around Chinese ink paintings but also promotes mental well-being and finding joy in small everyday life. Despite facing online criticism, Liu remains standing in their mission to use their paintings to cheer themselves and their audiences on. 

Find out more about paintings by Weishui Liu and their other pieces and initiatives by checking their Instagram on @liuweishuipainting.