In her solo exhibition Majestic Lotus, Portuguese-Chinese artist Bibi Lei invites viewers into a deeply personal and evocative exploration of resilience, innocence, and spiritual growth. Inspired by the lotus flower—an enduring symbol of purity and strength—the exhibition showcases Lei’s ability to capture the transformative beauty of rising above adversity.
“The lotus flower only grows and blooms in the deepest muddy water,” Lei reflects. “It represents the incredible potential of our lives to strive with courage.” This profound symbolism intertwines with her maternal aspirations as she channels blessings for her daughter: a wish for her to blossom with brilliance, untouched by the shadows of jealousy, greed, or hatred.
Based in Tokyo, Lei describes herself as a “childlike soul that never grows old,” and her creative approach reflects this ethos. Using finger painting and untethered brushstrokes, Lei’s works exude spontaneity, raw emotion, and an instinctive connection to her inner child. This technique, first nurtured alongside her grandmother, a pottery painter, is both a tribute to her past and a celebration of the uninhibited freedom of youth.
Central to her pieces are vibrant, playful figures—representations of her inner child, her daughter, and the universal essence of innocence. “These colorful girls could be everyone’s colorful inner soul,” Lei explains. Her works are characterized by rich textures, vivid palettes, and a sense of movement that feels unrestrained and immediate. “I paint fast and direct because I don’t think—I just go with the feeling.”
Lei’s artistic process is deeply intertwined with her daily life as a mother and painter. Each morning, after sending her daughter to school, she enters her studio and allows her mood to guide her choice of canvas and colors. For her, painting is a dialogue between instinct and memory, a rebellion against the rigidity of adulthood, and a return to the purity of childhood imagination.
In Majestic Lotus, Lei’s works resonate with universal themes of growth, connection, and the courage to bloom amidst life’s challenges. Through her distinctive artistry, she invites audiences to reconnect with their own inner resilience and innocence, offering a glimpse of the majestic beauty that emerges from muddy waters.
Exhibition Dates:
January 11 - February 5, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
For inquiries and to register interest on the Preview List please email info@volerygallery.com
