Known as the “Figure Godfather,” Michael Lau is best known for his iconic “Gardener” series, which has expanded from “Gardeners” to large flower beds. In recent years, the artist has begun creating oil paintings with floral themes. Recently, LGDR & Wei presented the artist’s solo exhibition “In the Garden,” showcasing 18 floral masterpieces that combine elements of popular culture and personal life experiences. The exhibition aims to encourage everyone to actively face the challenges of today’s world with vibrant and colorful flowers.
The works in this exhibition are all created by Michael starting from 2020. He uses realistic floral portraits, vibrant colors, and text to convey an optimistic, joyful, and hopeful positive energy. He creatively deconstructs some historical paintings and life scenes, and reconstructs familiar images with blooming flowers, eye-catching text, street culture materials, etc., creating surreal and playful works.
The most prominent and largest piece in the exhibition is a triptych painting titled “The Flowery Surprise” (2022), measuring 6 meters long. The work pays homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century masterpiece “The Last Supper,” reimagining the scene with anthropomorphic flowers replacing Jesus and his disciples. The painting features collage-like blank price tags, misspelled slogan texts, and vases inspired by street fashion, creating an unexpectedly whimsical combination that resolves the tension of the original painting. The viewers have become spectators of this feast.
Another highlight is the “Michael Flrwoe,” inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait. Michael uses playful abstract brushstrokes to insert flowers in the iconic pipe position of Van Gogh, paying tribute to this timeless master of post-impressionism. The work “3 Wise Flowers,” themed around wisdom, is inspired by “The Analects,” praising the ritual culture advocated since ancient times. Behind each vibrant work lies the artist’s values of mutual assistance, longing for peace, and spiritual cultivation.
As a classic theme in art history, flowers symbolize love and joy. Among them, three works: “Too Shy to Say”, “I Hope You Stay”, and “Come out and Play” depict different stages of love. The artist explores the complexity of love through colors: timid pink, anxious purple, and fiery red cleverly evoke the romantic state of unrequited love. Longing, waiting, anxiety, yearning, and joy, a mix of flavors, make it quite enjoyable to watch.
Feel free to visit the exhibition and appreciate the unique stories behind Michael Lau’s flowers!
“IN THE GARDEN” Michael Lau Solo Exhibition
Date: From now until August 27
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: LGDR & WEI, G/F, St. George’s Building, 2 Ice House Street, Central
Image source and learn more: LGDR & Wei, Michael Lau
