Billionaire Profile
Liu Xiaodong
Global Rank
#2279

Image: Christopher Adams | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Liu Xiaodong

CEO, Flavorings
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.741B
Estimated based on Flavorings stock value as of March 6, 2026
+0.61% (24h)
Age
62
Source
Art
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Liu Xiaodong, born in 1963, is a prominent contemporary Chinese artist known for his large-scale oil and acrylic paintings that depict everyday life and address global issues such as economic hardship, environmental crisis, and migration. His source of wealth comes from his career as an artist and professor. His career began after graduating from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, where he now teaches. Liu's work is characterized by his focus on the human dimension of social change, portraying ordinary people in settings of contradiction and conflict. He is considered a leading figure in the Chinese Neo-Realist movement and has exhibited in major solo exhibitions worldwide.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Liu Xiaodong was born in 1963 in Jincheng, Liaoning Province, China. His parents worked in a paper mill, reflecting the industrial backdrop of his upbringing. At 17, he moved to Beijing to study art at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA).

Rise to Success

Liu received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1988 and a Master of Fine Arts in 1995 from CAFA. He furthered his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain. Liu is known for his involvement in a new generation of Chinese realism, depicting everyday people in his large-scale oil and acrylic paintings. His works often foreground the human dimension of global issues like economic hardship and environmental crisis.

Key Business Strategies

Liu's work is characterized by his realist style and his focus on capturing the environment and living state of his subjects, aiming to show the personal story behind the image. He is known for his use of loose brushstrokes and rich colors. He often works on-site, painting his subjects en plein air. Liu's career includes serving as a professor at CAFA.

Philanthropy

Information on Liu Xiaodong’s specific philanthropy is unavailable through search results.

Career Milestones

1988

Graduated with a BFA

Obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in oil painting from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing.

1995

Graduated with a MFA

Received a Master of Fine Arts in oil painting from CAFA.

1994

Became a Professor

Began teaching at the Oil Painting department of the Academy of Fine Arts.

1997

Venice Biennale

Participated in Venice Biennale, Italy.

2013

Seattle Art Museum

Solo exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts

Unknown

Undisclosed

Information on Liu Xiaodong’s specific philanthropy is unavailable through search results.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I like to find scenes that are part of life, of someone's everyday existence and I choose places that interest me. When I paint someone, I want to capture their environment, their living state. I want to show the personal story behind the image of the person.""

""I usually get asked questions by journalists regarding politics. But I do believe that the power of humanity would overshadow politics. Of course, politics will control many aspects of life, but I wish that we can open our eyes and see more of the kind aspects of the world.""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Everyday Life

Liu's artistic focus is on depicting everyday people and their lives, especially highlighting the human dimension of global issues such as economic hardship and environmental crisis.

Realism and Honesty

He embraces a realist style and seeks to capture the environment and living state of his subjects, showing the personal story behind the image.