Courtesy photos The ‘Red Girl 06-07’ exhibit consists of portraits of teenage girls based on photos and magazine spreads in East Asian magazines. ‘Redgirl 46,’ (right) part of the ‘Red Girl 06-07’ exhibit, is on display at SAC's Visual Arts and Technology center.

WHO: Qing Liu, 39

MEDIA: Paint, photography, mixed media

BEST KNOWN FOR: Work influenced by her native China and the evolution of Chinese culture. Her current exhibit, “Red Girl 06-07,” consists of portraits of teenage girls based on photographs and magazine spreads in East Asian magazines. Liu said she was struck by how the girls dress older than their ages, dye their hair and wear makeup — not what is expected of a traditional schoolgirl. “When I saw these teenage girls in China, I was surprised to see how fast they absorbed this Western culture,” Liu said. “They're very materialistic to me. They're very bold. Sometimes I feel there's a sort of evil quality there.” The pieces in her series “China Image 06” depict Chinese objects, such as traditional clothing and architecture. They're disappearing in China, Liu said, because of the country's rapid development and the increasing impact of American pop culture. “I always look back to China, something left in my memory I want to bring out,” she said. “Not a particular object. They're kind of more purified pieces of my memory. Like something I can hold.” Liu herself embodies the contrast of old and new: She studied traditional Chinese painting and incorporates some of those elements in her art, such as a bold signature; at the same time, she often works with digital media. For “China Image 06,” she drew the pictures by hand, then scanned and digitally modified them.

BACKGROUND: Born in Beijing, Liu moved to the United States in 1999 for graduate school at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she received an MFA in 2003. She moved to San Antonio about three years ago.

PAYING THE BILLS: Liu teaches Web design as an assistant professor of visual arts and technology at San Antonio College.

CHECK HER OUT: “Red Girl 06-07” will be on display through Oct. 26 at SAC's Visual Arts and Technology Center, 950 Lewis St. Call (210) 733-2890.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor