Leo Yuen Wai ip

Leo, Yuen Wai-Ip is an oil painting artist from Macau.  He transfers his deepest affection and sentiments towards his home city onto the canvas. Through the use of bold colours, exaggerated expressions, and distorted, abstract figures, Leo lets the heart guide the brush and his works are full of personality, giving a sense of a “Don Quixote” style black humour. Leo focuses on the experience of inner emotions and reflections on humanity and living realities. There are no beauties or scenery only narratives of dynamic or quiet scenarios – a party, a living character, a business occasion, wine glasses, a bed…Leo uses metaphors to depict the changes in the times of Macau. His usual birds, nudes and abstract backgrounds of casinos express his perspectives towards the gaming industry, outsiders, colonialism and the type of society we are living in. These works express personal alienation from a rigid social system, show the pressure of a bustling city on an individual, and tell a complex human relationship of deceptions and wrangles. All these basic human emotions are integrated into every bit of Leo’s works, triggering reflections.  Leo, Yuen Wai-Ip is the designer-in-charge of the cultural venues G17 Gallery, G32 Gallery, Macau Story House at 6 Rua Nova de Sao Lazaro and Hall de Cultura at 9 Beco da Felicidade in Macau.

 

 

Sitting quietly in my studio painting, with nothing to worry about.

 

The 80’s.

 

Any book on art with good content.

 

Wong Kar Wai.

 

Michelangelo. 

 

Painting.

 

I have many, but what quickly comes to mind is “work first, eat later”.

 

As my pet phrase says – “McDonalds”.

 

I would read all the books that have been stored away on my shelves for a long time and take a course.

 

The season of retirement.

 

Home.