Core Perspective - Liu Xiaodong is a representative figure of contemporary realism in Chinese oil painting, known as the pioneer of "new realism" and has gained significant attention from collectors since the 1990s [1] Group 1: Artistic Philosophy and Techniques - Liu Xiaodong's work is rooted in realism, focusing on the survival states of ordinary people and the subtle textures of societal changes, employing a "现场写生" (on-site sketching) approach [2] - His art emphasizes deep engagement with reality rather than grand narratives, highlighting the lives of marginalized individuals such as migrant workers and gamblers [2] - His technique combines classical oil painting rigor with modern artistic freedom, often completing sketches in one go to preserve the original vitality of brushstrokes [3] Group 2: Market Performance and Recognition - Liu Xiaodong's works reflect the dynamics of contemporary Chinese art, with significant sales such as "Three Gorges New Immigrants" selling for 22 million yuan in 2006, setting a record for contemporary Chinese oil paintings [5] - His subsequent works have continued to break records, with "Battlefield Sketch - New Eighteen Arhats" selling for 55.73 million HKD in 2008 and "Violation" fetching 66.2 million HKD in 2014, solidifying his market position [6] Group 3: International Influence and Contributions - Liu Xiaodong is recognized as a pioneer of "new realism" in contemporary Chinese art, influencing a generation of young artists and breaking away from dogmatic concepts in the art world [6][7] - His practice demonstrates the enduring vitality of realism in contemporary art, connecting pre-modern history with collective memory amidst globalization [7] - Liu Xiaodong's contributions extend to academia as a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he nurtures new generations of realist painters and promotes the "new realism" style [8]