John Lie a Fo - Boa P - Mystery, Connection, Transformation - Meter wide! Artwork Framed

"Boa P" is a unique work of art by John Lie A Fo, with an edition of only 15 pieces. This particular piece is extra special because it comes directly from the artist himself, a so-called artist's proof.

Imagine this: a powerful image of a woman and a man, naked, with a snake winding its way up from the man. The woman sits and reaches for the man, her gaze full of intensity. This moment, captured in cool blue tones, is full of secrets and stories waiting to be discovered.

This work of art is not just a picture. It's a deep dive into emotions and human connection. The snake, often seen as a symbol of temptation and change, adds a layer of mystery and suspense. The blue in the background gives the whole a dreamy, almost mystical atmosphere.

"Boa P" invites you to look beyond what you see. It is about the relationship between people, about our fears and desires. It's an opportunity to bring something truly unique into your home, something that is not only beautiful to look at, but that also sparks conversations and makes you think about deeper themes. This work of art can have a special place in your life, something that inspires and challenges you every day.

John Lie A Fo trained at the 'Royal Academy of Fine Arts' in Antwerp, Belgium, and the 'Vrije Academie' in The Hague, Netherlands, and currently lives in French Guiana. Lie A Fo paints on canvas and paper, creates objects and is also skilled in various art printing techniques. The artist is particularly interested in the traditional cultures of the indigenous peoples and the Maroons.

In his art he integrates various elements of these traditional cultures, but he is especially fascinated by the unique balance that exists between the natural and the spiritual world within these communities. Rituals and all related traditional utensils and artifacts of the indigenous and Maroon tribes are the main themes in the majority of his art. In addition to the traditional cultures of his tropical environment, John Lie A Fo is also fascinated by the beautiful nature. From November 2012 to February 2013 there was a major retrospective exhibition, including a beautiful catalogue, about Lie A Fo in Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana.

In French Guiana, the artist is also heavily involved with EMEGA, an organization that uses arts education to help disabled children integrate into their communities. After 35 years, John Lie A Fo revived his artistic relationship with Suriname with a major solo exhibition at Readytex Art Gallery in 2017.

Meet John Lie A Fo, a shining star in the firmament of Surinamese post-war and contemporary art, born on a bright day in Paramaribo in 1945. His art, a vibrant fusion of his Chinese-Surinamese heritage and the untamed beauty of the Surinamese jungle , tells stories that go beyond the canvas.

In the vibrant 1960s, when the world was young and full of possibilities, Lie A Fo roamed Europe, not only as an artist but also as a musician. His artistic journey led him to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Free Academy in The Hague, where he honed his skills and deepened his vision.

The 1970s marked a turning point. Admitted to the BKR (Visual Artists Scheme), Lie A Fo devoted himself to his art. But it was the natural beauty of Suriname that stole his heart, and in 1979 he chose to settle there. Even after the tumultuous December murders, he found a way back to his art, traveling back and forth between The Hague and his beloved Suriname.

And then, in December 1983, the jump to French Guiana. There, in this mirror of Surinamese lush landscapes, Lie A Fo found new breath for his work. His art, rich with the themes of the jungle, building bridges between cultures, became a window to a world where unity in diversity is not only possible, but living, breathing and colorful.

Lie A Fo's works, exhibited in the Netherlands and far beyond, are a testament to his journey and the inseparable connection between people, nature and spirituality. The 'Alakondre' feeling resonates in every piece - a celebration of harmony and mutual respect. This is not just art. This is an invitation to see the world through the eyes of a master, whose life and work bridge cultures, eras, and hearts. John Lie A Fo, a true ambassador of the Surinamese soul.

Discover the fascinating life and work of John Lie A Fo, a unique Surinamese Postmodern & Contemporary artist, born in 1945. With a rich artistic career stretching from South America to Europe, Lie A Fo embodies the essence of cultural diversity and artistic versatility. His works, exhibited in renowned galleries such as Maison de l'Amérique Latine, reflect the deep connection with his Surinamese roots and the lush jungle that forms his canvas. As a musician, painter, graphic artist and sculptor, he explores themes of unity and diversity, often inspired by the natural and spiritual world of Suriname and French Guiana. Lie A Fo's education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Free Academy in The Hague has laid a foundation for a career characterized by innovation and exploration. His works are an ode to the 'Alakondre' spirit, a celebration of harmony between different cultures. For art lovers and collectors looking for a deeper connection with the art of the Caribbean region, John Lie A Fo offers an unparalleled artistic experience.

John Lie O Fo's most recent exhibition:

THE ART OF BREAKING THE CHAINS
CURATORS: GENEVIÈVE WIELS AND THOMAS MOUZARD
Exhibition - Maison de l'Amérique latine, PARIS
12th May – 24th September 2022
https://www.mal217.org/media/mal/163417-dossier_de_presse_29032022_version_ang.pdf