Lee Meng-Yi (1988-)

 

Born in Taichung, Taiwan, and graduated from the master program of the Department of Fine Arts in Tunghai University, Lee Meng-Yi has been the finalist of multiple art awards, among which are Kaohsiung Awards in 2014, The 10th Taoyuan Contemporary Art Award in 2012, and Exhibition of the Newly Emerging Artists in Taiwan in 2011. The artist was invited to numerous exhibitions, including her solo exhibitions ‘Place of Birth’ (2015) and ‘Place of Birth’ (2013), and joint exhibition ‘i.t.| Taiwan & Brazil exhibit exchange of young artists’ at King Car Cultural & Art Center in 2011. Taking oil painting and mixed media as her way of expression, Meng-Yi narrates stories of ancient mythologies with symbolic images. Greatly inspired by Paul Gauguin and Henri Rousseau as well as the Surrealism, the artist observes the world through her creating process and art, discovering the detailed and unique approach to life.  

 

Within the frames, life turns into endless ventures and tricks with daylight and night sky as backdrops. Its colours at the border of life and death are connected to the portal of eternity, and the fairy-like figures among the nature’s cycle are in search of a dream of everlasting peace.Lee Meng-Yi’s art springs from her childhood memory of playing monkey bars. Play is perceived by Meng-Yi as an instinctive act in search of happiness. The monkey bar from her childhood is later depicted in her painting as a symbolic bridge between nature and civilisation. Through observing animal postures and nature she discovers the similar traits shown in both animal and human. Like a spiritual and therapeutic ceremony, Meng-Yi’s art, along with her interest in ancient religions, reveals her journey exploring answers to life.