One of our personal favorites from this year’s Art Central was the solo showcase by Mike Lee at the Over The Influence’s booth. Simultaneously showing the NY-based artist’s Hong Kong debut along with a solo show by Tadashi Kawamata in their local space, the gallery presented a sold out exhibition at the fair that included some of the largest pieces Lee has ever produced.
Titled collectively Quality Time, the oils on canvas and panel continue the American artist’s efforts to portray his vision of happiness and good feelings. Using strict grey scale hues, he successfully juxtaposes the melancholic vibe of his palette against the friendly looking characters forming impossibly bubbly compositions. Borrowing light tricks from his digital media professional career, Lee constructs appealing and very recognizable images with a peculiar signature atmosphere.
During the show opening, the artist was present at the booth, signing the copies of his freshly published book / catalog that covers both his Asian shows in Tokyo and Hong Kong. The book was published and is also available through Amala Books.
Discuss Mike Lee here.
