Meet Kiki Liu | Founder of Current State Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiki Liu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiki, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Hi there, and thank you for having me! The idea to start this business stemmed from a shared passion for uplifting artistic voices and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent. As three multidisciplinary artists working with various mediums—clay, paint, wood, lacquer, and modern technology—we envisioned a space where creativity could flourish and connections could be built.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I was immediately inspired by the city’s vibrant artist community and its abundance of opportunities. However, I also noticed a gap: many talented artists struggle to find accessible venues to showcase their work.

This realization led me to transform my artist loft in the Echo Park/DTLA area into what is now the foundation of Current State Studio. Drawing from our collective backgrounds and deep ties within the art communities of Los Angeles and China, the two other founders and I saw a unique opportunity to foster cross-cultural exchanges. By bridging the gap between Asian and international artists and the LA art scene, we aim to create an inclusive space that benefits both artists and the broader community.

As a nonprofit, Current State Studio goes beyond serving as an exhibition space. We’re cultivating a community through events, artist talks, and workshops that encourage creative collaboration and growth. Our mission is to not only showcase diverse artistic talent but also provide a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and engagement.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At Current State Studio, we see the act of exhibiting and community-building as an art form in itself. What sets our project apart is our holistic approach, which seeks to benefit everyone involved: the artists we represent, curators, the general public, and even ourselves as practicing artists. It’s more than just showcasing art—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and fostering connections across cultures and disciplines within our community.

Starting this journey was far from easy. One of our biggest challenges was navigating the legal complexities of establishing a nonprofit. Ensuring compliance with regulations and standards was critical and time-intensive. Additionally, transforming a home studio into a functional event space while organizing impactful exhibitions was a multifaceted and ongoing process. Despite these hurdles, we are immensely proud of how far we’ve come.

Our debut show “Bodies Remember” on November 16, 2024, was both a proud and humbling moment for us. Collaborating with one of our closest curatorial partners, Jiayi Hou, we curated an unforgettable experience. The event featured five contemporary dancers who choreographed performances inspired by each artist’s work, bringing a dynamic and interactive element to the show. With over 70 attendees at our intimate home gallery, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm. This milestone has energized us as we envision the endless possibilities for future events in our space.

The support from friends, collaborators, and the broader community has been instrumental in helping us overcome obstacles. At Current State Studio, our mission extends beyond being an art space—it’s a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, artistic growth, and community engagement. We are deeply passionate about creating opportunities for artists and bringing art closer to the public. We can’t wait to see how this journey continues to evolve and inspire.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely want to immerse them in LA’s incredible art and creative scene, starting with a tour of the artist markets around town. These markets feel like scavenger hunts, where you can wander and discover fascinating, unique work from local artists. I love visiting these markets to support my artist friends who have booths there, and over time, I’ve met so many talented creatives—some of whom have become close friends through conversations about their art.

These markets are more than just places to shop; they’re vibrant spaces where you can find everything from handmade art to vintage clothing, furniture, and even delicious food and drinks. The energy is infectious, and it’s a perfect way to get a feel for LA’s artistic community.

Los Angeles is a city full of exciting people, places, and things to explore, but I think the artist markets really capture the creative spirit that makes this place so special. It’s the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of the city while supporting local talent.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to my incredible business partners, JingYi Teng and Zhiheng Gong. They are the reason Current State Studio exists today. I first met Gong during my MFA program at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he had joined a year before me to study in the 4D program. Gong is a highly skilled woodworker and a true multidisciplinary artist, but more than that, he’s an inspiring individual with a selfless, kind heart and a bold creative spirit. We quickly became great friends, constantly bouncing ideas off each other between research and projects.

After graduating, we decided to take part in an art fair in Los Angeles, and that’s where we met JingYi Teng. What began as a professional introduction quickly turned into a lasting friendship. Teng brought a unique mix of experiences—he’s an artist with a fine art background, but also a restaurant owner. His passion for art and his fresh, entrepreneurial outlook added a perspective that Gong and I hadn’t considered. Teng has become a close friend, someone who shares our vision and excitement, and whose support has been invaluable. The bond we formed wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about building something meaningful together, fueled by our deep personal connection and shared ambitions.

Our friendship grew beyond that art fair, and together, we realized we had the potential to create something bigger—something that not only benefits us as practicing artists but also serves as a platform to support and connect other artists, both locally and cross-culturally. Through this collaboration, Current State Studio was born, and I couldn’t have asked for better partners on this journey.

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