Lexkon Liu @lexkonliu - Tumblr Blog

Galloping Through the Stars

“Galloping Through the Stars” takes the carousel—an enduring symbol of childhood memory—as its narrative core, situating the power, speed, and forward-driving will embodied by the “horse” within a highly stylized and emotionally charged cosmic realm. The recurring smiling-face totems in the composition form a signature element of artist Lexkon Liu’s visual language, symbolizing the preservation and harmonization of personal emotion within the high-velocity rhythms of contemporary reality.

illustration by Lexkon Liu ©

A limited-edition collaboration by Yuexiang Liquor × Lexkon Liu, inspired by the golden carp and lion dance, reflecting the strength to break barriers and rise toward new possibilities.

The Dream’s Threshold Capsule

The work begins with a brief, private moment from everyday life, transforming physical reality into a dreamlike journey of consciousness. Stars, bubbles, and floating lights form a light, open cosmic space, symbolizing the free flow of the subconscious and the awakening of childlike dreams. The toilet becomes a “threshold capsule” linking reality and the inner world, capturing a momentary escape from daily order. Through dark humor and surreal imagery, the work reflects modern mental pressure, suggesting that dreaming is not an escape, but a way to regain inner drive and the courage to move forward.

“Ripple Dream” was auctioned and collected! ✨ 《涟漪之梦》在深文所拍卖被收藏啦！✨

Chains of Glimmers

“Chains of Glimmers” draws inspiration from the imagery of Chrysanthemum Rhapsody After Failure, yet it does not linger on the seasonal landscape of autumn. Instead, it transforms into an abstract metaphor of fate and the struggle for self-liberation. The dominant golden tones symbolize the passage of time and the depth of life, while the touches of turquoise emerge as glimmers of hope amid adversity.

At the center, the recurring smiling spheres—Lexkon Liu’s signature motif—appear to tumble within a labyrinth of chains and gears. Though seemingly trapped within these constraints, they continue to smile. The chains embody both external pressures and the inescapable weight of time and destiny, while the fractured, scattered spheres represent emotions released through collision and loss.

Through this imagery, the work conveys the resilience of the individual—breaking through constraints with hope, and seeking freedom and renewal. It is not only a testament to the endurance of life, but also an aesthetic meditation on how the spirit maintains balance amid pressure and fragmentation.

illustration by Lexkon Liu ©

Nirvana Rebirth

"Nirvana Rebirth" is an artwork that expresses breakthrough and renewal. The main color scheme of gold, accented with turquoise, symbolizes the revival of life and the rekindling of hope. The piece draws inspiration from the imagery of Ode to the Chrysanthemum After Failing the Imperial Exam. using the theme of overcoming trials to depict rebirth. In the composition, the character floats amidst shattered fragments, symbolizing liberation from hardship and the search for personal renewal and strength. The floating smiley face bubbles represent emotional release and inner balance, showcasing a hopeful attitude toward the future after reconstruction.

illustration by Lexkon Liu ©

Golden Afterglow

"Golden Afterglow" draws its chromatic conception from the imagery embedded in Ode to the Chrysanthemum after Failure, yet it resists confinement to the seasonal frame of autumn. Instead, the work abstracts this poetic reference into a metaphor for resilience and the continuity of the human spirit.

At the center stands Lexkon Liu’s signature motif of stacked smile-sphere forms—at once external symbols of joy and layered refractions of inner emotion. These elements resonate with the surrounding intricate foliage and fragmented shards, generating a visual tension between order and rupture. The interplay of golden radiance with fractured forms reveals a warmth and strength born from what has been broken, articulating the capacity of the individual to reconstruct the self and achieve spiritual renewal through hope and a quiet smile.

Fate's Mystery Box

The piece features a dominant gold palette with turquoise accents, drawing visual inspiration from the imagery in the poem After Failing the Imperial Exam, I Praise the Chrysanthemum. While it doesn’t depict autumn directly, it channels the chrysanthemum’s fierce bloom as a symbol of resilience and defiance.

At the center stands a character atop "destiny blind boxes," confronting a chaotic yet possibility-filled world. With an unwavering “LA” hand gesture, the figure declares a spirit of going all in—fueled by passion and attitude. Floating paper cranes and contrasting facial icons enrich the scene, forming a direct visual response to fate, personal will, and the surging tides of our time. This work is an artistic confrontation with uncertainty.

Crown of Fractured Origins

This piece explores rebirth through collapse. Inspired by the spirit of “Composing on Chrysanthemums After Failing the Imperial Exam,” the work uses a shattered crown—golden with turquoise inlays—as a symbol of broken ideals and the potential to rebuild.

The central figure emerges from cloud and chaos, pieced together with symbolic smiles, reflecting resilience and layered identity. Spikes and fragments float around as signs of external pressure and disillusionment, while the overall tone blends pop visuals with deeper themes of renewal and transformation in uncertain times.

illustration by Lexkon Liu ©

Starcatcher

"Gathering Light" draws inspiration from the imagery in the poem After Failing the Imperial Exam, I Write of Chrysanthemums, but it does not depict autumn literally. Instead, it presents a symbolic spiritual scene. The golden tones represent honor, maturity, and the passage of time, while touches of turquoise hint at hope and the spark of life.

The central figure quietly collects broken stars, with a calm and focused expression—like gathering scattered fragments of time and memory from the universe. These stars symbolize both lost dreams and overlooked beauty. By picking them up and cherishing them, they regain value. The work conveys a hopeful message: even in times of chaos and fragmentation, we can still find glimmers of light in small things—turning what’s broken into strength, and continuing forward.

illustration by Lexkon Liu ©

Golden Silence

This artwork is dominated by golden tones, accented with turquoise, drawing inspiration from the imagery of Ode to the Chrysanthemum After Failing the Imperial Exam. However, it does not depict autumn itself but rather explores the philosophy of maintaining inner tranquility amid chaos. At the center, the figure sits curled up on shattered stones, covering their face in a "see no evil" gesture—symbolizing an unwavering inner world unaffected by external disturbances. Golden fragments fall around them, hinting at disintegration and transformation, yet the figure remains still, embodying the resolve to stay true to one's inner perceptions despite the surrounding descent. The piece conveys a sense of self-governed order beyond external circumstances—where even in turmoil, one can remain composed, allowing the quiet strength of the soul to refine into gold-like wisdom.

Eternal Bloom

The artwork borrows imagery from Ode to Chrysanthemums After Failing the Imperial Exam, yet it does not depict a specific autumn scene, but rather a life state that transcends seasons. The golden hues symbolize maturity and abundance, while the turquoise accents represent the ever-present pulse of vitality and hope. The central figure sits serenely among mushrooms and foliage, immersed in nature's embrace, embodying the harmony between humans and the universe. Floating smiley faces externalize emotions and signify the circulation of life's energy, conveying a philosophy of effortless growth—no matter the time or place, one can always experience the radiance and tranquility of life.

Bittersweet Balance

"Bittersweet Balance" is an illustration that fuses coffee culture with the visual language of contemporary art. The central character sits atop a chocolate cake, holding a coffee and donut, wearing artist Lexkon Liu’s signature smiley motif—symbolizing the urban spirit of seeking equilibrium between bitterness and sweetness. The contrast between the rich bitterness of coffee and the soft indulgence of desserts reflects the emotional tension and inner balancing act of modern life. Through a playful aesthetic, the work conveys deeper perception, exploring how simple “rituals” can offer moments of healing amid a fast-paced world.

Sweetness Overflow

Sweetness Overflow is an illustration that blends dessert imagery with the language of contemporary pop art. Using elements like donuts and ice cream as visual architecture, the piece constructs a “universe of sweetness.” The central figure, with a paper bag and smiley sticker covering the head, represents both a playful disguise and the layered emotions behind indulgence. The flowing syrup, soft whipped textures, and rounded color palette evoke nostalgic memories of taste and childhood dreams.

Meijian Plum Wine x Artist Lexkon Liu – “Transforming into a Dragon upon Encountering a Storm”

Step into a world where tradition meets modern artistry. Inspired by the legendary “carp leaping over the Dragon Gate,” this limited-edition collaboration brings together heritage symbolism and contemporary aesthetic in a stunning bottle. Since its launch in 2019, Meijian has soared to become the #1 plum wine in China—now enjoyed in over 30 countries, leading national sales for three years running, and celebrated with multiple international awards.

Ride the Childhood

"Riding Through Childhood" is a Children's Day–themed pop illustration that blends the artist’s signature smiley-face motif and cartoon box-head character to reawaken a sense of innocence and wonder. The central figure rides a dreamy unicorn carousel, drifting between childhood memories and contemporary street culture. The smiling mask represents both emotional protection and a conscious pursuit of joy. Radiant lighting and neon gradients create a whimsical, warm atmosphere, conveying the idea that even in a spinning world, we can hold on to imagination and our original spirit. The piece carries the artist’s signature blend of playful aesthetics and emotional expression.

Zongzi Fusion Plan

" Zongzi Fusion Plan " is a digital illustration that blends trendy visual language with traditional Chinese seasonal culture. Centered on the artist’s original character IP, it reimagines symbols of the Dragon Boat Festival—like dragon boats and rice dumplings—through a modern lens. Set in a stylized urban arena, the character rides a mechanical dragon boat, symbolizing the ongoing spirit of tradition. The rice dumplings are transformed into totem-like "energy packs," representing memory, protection, and connection.

Using vibrant neon colors, spray-paint textures, and digital composition styles, the work creates a fast-paced yet ritualistic visual scene. The artist’s signature smiling sphere appears again as a quiet response to the commercialization of festivals—an emblem of personal reinterpretation of cultural memory.

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