“The boy with the magic brush’ is a solo exhibition by Maleonn. Raised at the back of a theatre, his work expresses fables and a fantasy world. Maleonn directs and photographs exquisite handcrafted staged scenarios derived from his imagination. His work transports us to a magic world laden with tragedy, nostalgia, romance and black humor.

“The boy with the magic brush” presents a concise selection of various series from his earliest to most recent work including ‘The Circus’, ‘Last Tango in Shanghai’, ‘Second Hand Tang Poetry’ and ’Studio Mobile’.

“Studio Mobile” is a project whereby the artist travelled to 35 cities with a small group of friends in a truck converted to a mobile studio. The truck was geared up with props, costumes and camera equipment with the purpose to make portraits the old fashioned way of whoever was interested. One thousand six hundred people participated in the fun and memorable experience living out their fantasies or dress up as their favorite superheroes. For the special occasion of the exhibition opening and Chai Wan Open studio events, Maleonn will create a ‘Studio Mobile’ at the gallery where guests can have their portraits shot.

Maleonn’s vision and execution is one of a kind. His talent didn’t go unnoticed and he is considered a rising star in China and beyond. He exhibited in museums such as the V & A in London, Shanghai Art Museum, MOMA Zendai Shanghai and galleries worldwide in China, Australia, USA, Italy, Thailand, Paris, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Canada and Spain.

Image: © Maleonn
Courtesy of the artist and AO Vertical