Born in 1982, Yolanda Yeung is a fast-growing local young talent. She started taking drawing class at young age and was determined to be an artist when she studied Fine Arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Upon completion of her Bachelor Degree in Studio Art in 2005, she continued with a Master Degree in Fine Art at The Chinese University and graduated in 2007.
Yeung followed her long-developed interests in painting and placed her entire focus on this single medium. She loves painting because it is the most direct way for her to express what she thinks and feels. Her favorite artists are many, ranging from Renaissance period to Contemporary art world, but there is one that inspired her most- the prominent German Expressionist painter, Gerhard Richter, who worked in great diversity of styles: photo-realistic, abstract and expressionistic at the same time. Looking at Yeung’s portfolio, one would understand her immense interests in this artist. Yeung is also pluralistic in style, not limiting her art in a particular way of expression. The pencils and erasers, the imaginative life of Mickey Mouse and many other portrait themes, Yeung tends to play around with things and people that she is familiar with and portrays her own feelings towards them. Ordinary and down-to-earth, she is able to transform things into a style of her own – trendy, swift, unrestrained, colorful and sharp. Her style is mainly self-evolved, by relentlessly exploring the technique of painting and experiencing painting as part of her life.
According to Yeung “Artists are not much different from people working in offices; the serious ones also paint from 9 to 5 everyday. Eventually, they will find their style and techniques progressed over time. I believe art takes time to evolve into a sophisticated state. I see myself doing better everyday, and to be honest I am always happier with the painting I do today than the one I did yesterday! Art and my life are inseparable now.”
Recently, Yeung works with focus on developing series of paintings. After her “Magazine Series” displayed at her MA graduation show in May 2007, she continued to refer to the consumerist society for inspiration. “City Animal” is another recent series inspired from this but has been taking a more serious theme – the side-effects of human deeds on animal world.
As an energetic and active young artist, Yeung utilizes the opportunities around her to expose her creativity in public. She participated actively in art competitions and shows that led her to a growing list of awards and acclaims. She was the recipient of the Philippe Charriol Foundation Art Competition Award (2004-06), Finalist of Hong Kong Art Biennial (2005), 30 Finalists of Sovereign Asian Art Prize (2004- 05). Her works have been acquired by private collectors in Hong Kong, UK, France and U.S. as well as Christian Dior and Peninsula Hotel. She has also held a number of solo and group exhibitions in Hong Kong which were all very well-received. Going forward, Yeung is planning to join the Artist-in-Residence programme abroad to enrich her experience.
