A liquid crystal display apparatus is disclosed which can prevent occurrence of flicker for a long time. The apparatus comprises a liquid crystal modulation element which includes a first electrode, a second electrode made of a material different from that of the first electrode, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, a first alignment film disposed between the first electrode and the liquid crystal layer, and a second alignment film disposed between the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer. The apparatus also comprises a controller which changes at least one of the potential to be applied to the first electrode and the central potential of the potential to be applied to the second electrode, which periodically changes between positive and negative with respect to the central potential, such that flicker is suppressed within a certain range.