Strokes of Genius with Michelle Yap’s A River of Dreams Collection

A picture paints a thousand words”, so they say. Malaysian artist Michelle Yap takes this adage to heart by pouring her own heart into her latest art collection, A River of Dreams.

Always one to take the bold route which has indeed served her well, Michelle Yap is an abstract contemporary artist whose works often embody her personal principles that form the basis of her inspirations. Reminiscent of a crash in the ocean, Yap’s style appears to be a touch intimidating at first glance but allow yourself to breathe through her brushstrokes and you’ll soon discover a spellbinding sense of serenity and familiarity like no other.

Highly adept at blending traditional Chinese ink with modern elements such as acrylic and heavy brush strokes, this ingenious fusion of techniques, textures and tones has become one her signature styles. Moreover, her expressive incorporation of calligraphy imbues an exquisite tinge of oriental sophistication, elevating the visually striking pieces with concealed motivational meanings along with a youthful taste of culture.

From exhibiting at The Other Art Fair New York and Tokyo International Art Fair to retailing in the online art galleries of Los Angeles-stationed Saatchi Art and Paris-based SINGULART, Yap’s creations have travelled around the world and continue to gain unanimous favour among those who lay eyes upon them — understandably so. The same goes for her latest collection titled ‘A River of Dreams’, inspired by the waterways at the breathtaking Gamuda Gardens township in Selangor.

Viewing water as an element that brings life into our world, Yap unleashed her creativity with eight distinct canvas paintings which are equally divided into the mixed medium and acrylic categories. Each subtly narrating a story as uplifting as the last, prepare to get acquainted with each and every piece from the colourful series:

RIVER OF DREAMS

Mixed Medium on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

Plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for others to bring you flowers. Don’t let them slow your dreams, let it flow. Those who matter don’t mind while those who mind, don’t matter.

THE WINDY SUNSET

Mixed Medium on Canvas
48” x 60” x 2”

Love your flaws, own your quirks. At the end of the day, all that matters is being happy like the dancing fields during sunset.

LIFE BENEATH THE LAKES

Mixed Medium on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

When the water is clear, all you can see are the little fishes swimming and playing. The world only exists in your eyes, you can make it as big or as small as you want.

SHADOWS FROM THE MARSHES

Mixed Medium on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself. Just like your own shadow or the grass over marshes, it doesn’t need to shine or shout all the time.

MORNING SUN OVER THE HILLS
Acrylic on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. It’s just like how the sun never fails to glow over the highest peaks, no matter how slow it may take.

THE FIRST RAINDROPS

Acrylic on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

Open your heart to the sky. However heavy this rain will be, it will still have to end. Therefore, enjoy the first raindrops and listen to your mind. Don’t forget to live the moment.

THE SOUND OF WATERFALLS

Acrylic on Canvas
48” x 60” x 2”

Sometimes the most important part of the whole day is the rest we take in between two deep breaths. Relax and listen to the sound of the wind, the rock and the waters.

WHEN THEY MINGLE

Acrylic on Canvas
48” x 48” x 2”

We are all connected through nature’s pathways. Upon crossing paths and mingling, remember to make someone smile everyday as a smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

“Art is my religion. Expressing my feelings through the language of art, you need to feel what you see in order to see what you don’t. That is the energy I translate through my works”, proclaims the artist with the utmost passion. It should go without saying that A River of Dreams is an unquestionable testament to this statement.

The aforementioned collection will be featured at A River of Dreams art showcase organised by Gamuda Gardens Esteem Monarc in partnership with Deluxe Autoworld, Cigar Kingdom, Horology & Co. and Metropolitan Home. It will be held at the Gamuda Gardens Experience Gallery on the 24th of September and 1st of October.