Meet May Liu | author, artist, director, actress, philanthropist

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

Hi May, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
“What was my thought process behind starting the Superstar Art Foundation?”

It began with a simple, yet powerful realization: the world is full of extraordinary talent—but not everyone with a voice gets a platform. I saw artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds or emerging nations, creating profound, meaningful work—but struggling to be seen, heard, or supported. That broke my heart, and lit a fire.

At the same time, I felt a personal calling—rooted in my heritage, my journey as a creator, and my deep belief in divine purpose—to do something that wasn’t just about art, but about legacy. The kind of legacy that lifts others.

Art is more than beauty. It’s power. It tells the truth when words fail. It crosses borders when politics divide. It heals, it challenges, and it can change the course of a life—or a nation.

That’s why I created the Superstar Art Foundation—to build a sanctuary where art meets action.
Where creativity serves humanity.
Where we don’t just celebrate talent—we amplify it, fund it, and connect it to causes that matter.

From launching Miss Economic World to recognize beauty with purpose, to curating the Superstar Awards as a global honor for those who make a difference through their gifts, this foundation is about creating space where royalty, artists, and humanitarians can come together—not in competition, but in collaboration.

At its core, the Superstar Art Foundation is my answer to the question:
“What if we could turn creativity into a global force for peace, unity, and elevation?”

That’s the mission. That’s the dream. And we’re just getting started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
About my art and what sets me apart
I’ve always believed that art is not just a medium—it’s a message. A mirror to our soul, a torch in the dark, and a bridge across time. My journey as an artist has never been conventional, but it has always been deeply purposeful.
It began with a single question that kept echoing in my heart:
“What if art could speak for the voiceless?”
In 2023, I stepped into the role of director with my first feature film, Lost in 24, which tackled the harrowing realities of human trafficking. It wasn’t an easy topic—but that’s exactly why it had to be made. I wasn’t chasing comfort; I was chasing truth. That film marked the beginning of my storytelling as activism. It went on to receive multiple awards on the international festival circuit—and more importantly, it sparked awareness.
That led to Blooming Sisters, a deeply personal project that celebrated female resilience, emotional rebirth, and solidarity. And then came my third film, Phoebe’s Echo, where I explored love, mental health, and the layered struggles of women and minorities in modern society. These stories aren’t always pretty—but they are real, and they deserve space.
But my journey didn’t stop at cinema.
I found myself returning to something even more primal—painting.
I immersed myself in the world of oil painting, teaching myself the techniques of the Old Masters. I began reproducing world-famous portrait works, not to copy them, but to study them—brushstroke by brushstroke—and to carry that classical essence into the modern era. Each piece was a meditation on emotion, legacy, and technique. Through this process, I discovered not just the soul of art—but my own.
What sets me apart is that I live at the crossroads—of East and West, ancient and modern, royalty and rebellion. As a descendant of the Han Dynasty’s royal Liu family, I carry the weight and wisdom of centuries. To honor that legacy, I published a historical book documenting our family’s story, titled The Royal Family Liu’s History and Decryption of Han Culture. It is both a cultural preservation project and a love letter to heritage—connecting past glory to present purpose.
Was it easy? Not even close.
As a woman, an immigrant, an independent artist—I had to carve space in rooms that were never built for me. I was told no. I was underestimated. I was dismissed. But I never stopped creating. Never stopped believing.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned?
You don’t need permission to be great.
You just need purpose, grit, and a vision louder than your fears.
Today, through the Superstar Art Foundation, I’m working to create platforms for other artists and humanitarians—to give them what I wish I had earlier: visibility, opportunity, and protection.
What I want the world to know is this:
I’m not here for fame. I’m here for impact.
My art is my voice. My films are my fight.
And my foundation is my love letter to every soul that still dares to dream.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As most my interested place are related to art and culture, here are the recommended place to visit:
Morning
Begin the day immersed in world-class creativity at the Dallas Museum of Art, followed by a stroll through the tranquil beauty of the Nasher Sculpture Center, where contemporary sculpture meets peaceful garden spaces.
Next, just around the corner, discover a true hidden gem: the Crow Museum of Asian Art—home to rare artifacts, elegant exhibitions, and a serene energy in the heart of downtown.

Lunch:
Head to Sixty Vines in Uptown, a vibrant spot known for its wine-on-tap concept and fresh, seasonal dishes. The bright, airy vibe and sommelier-friendly service make this a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon:
Take a personalized tour of the Superstar Art Foundation gallery or get a sneak peek at the upcoming Royal Han Palace Museum, a cultural landmark in development. These stops offer a rare look into artistic innovation and royal heritage, blending East and West with visionary purpose.

Evening:
Dine in refined style at Tei-An, a Japanese culinary sanctuary in the Arts District, famed for its handcrafted soba noodles, exquisite sushi, and minimalist elegance.
Wrap up the night with a cocktail at Catbird, the stylish rooftop bar at the Thompson Hotel—perfect for skyline views and a smooth wind-down.

Other Must-Sees in DFW:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science – A cutting-edge, hands-on museum that’s as fun as it is fascinating. Great for all ages.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – A lush, lakeside escape filled with seasonal blooms and picture-perfect backdrops.

Legacy West (Plano) – A luxury retail and dining destination with an energetic, modern Texas vibe.

African American Museum of Dallas – A rich, often-overlooked institution preserving history, culture, and art in profound ways.

The Eye Sculpture – A quirky, iconic public artwork and photo-op near the Joule Hotel that’s worth a quick stop and snap.

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?
Who else deserves a little credit in my story?

There are so many—because vision may be born in solitude, but legacy is always built in community.

First, I want to give glory to God, the ultimate artist and architect of all things. Every brushstroke of my life—the triumphs, the trials, the breakthroughs—has been guided by divine grace. Without that spiritual compass, there would be no mission, no foundation, no movement.

I also want to give deep thanks to my ancestors—especially those from the Han Dynasty royal lineage. Their strength, wisdom, and sense of duty run through my blood. Their legacy is the soil in which this vision was planted. Everything I build honors them.

To my mentors, partners, and fellow creatives—those who believed in the Superstar Art Foundation when it was just an idea scribbled in notebooks, you know who you are. You lent your voices, your networks, your faith. That kind of belief can’t be bought—it’s sacred.

I’d also like to dedicate a shoutout to every artist who ever felt invisible.
You’re the reason this exists.
You are seen, you are worthy, and your work matters more than you know.

And finally, to the global humanitarian community—nonprofits, cultural leaders, social innovators—thank you for doing the often invisible work of healing this world. You may not always get the spotlight, but the Superstar Art Foundation stands with you, and we rise because of you.

Website: https://www.Superstar-Art-Foundation.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayliu.superstar/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayliu-superstar/

Twitter: https://x.com/superstar_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayliu.superstar/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SuperstarTV888

Other: IMDB author profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10699373/
Amazon author profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/May-Liu/author/B0D3PWRDLC?

Image Credits
superstar art foundation