Michelle Yap
Place of birth & current location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
https://www.saatchiart.com/michelleyap
Facebook: michelle.yap.144
Instagram: @michelleyap888
Michelle Yap is a Malaysian abstract artist from Kuala Lumpur, who graduated from the University of Arts, London (Central St. Martins, College of Arts). She was born in 1975, raised, and now, currently living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
She is best known for her modern, minimalistic abstract pieces characterized by heavy brush strokes hinted of oriental Chinese calligraphy. Her artworks are inspirational and motivational values depicted through her art from daily life.
Throughout Michelle’s success in establishing a presence as an artist, she has proudly exhibited in numerous shows including The Other Art Fair in New York, and repeatedly in Chicago in 2019. She has also presented in exhibitions across the Asia in China, Singapore and home country, Malaysia. She had also been given the opportunity to showcase her paintings at the Tokyo International Art Fair 2020 which had since been cancelled due to the pandemic.
As of today, one of her biggest achievements has been presenting several pieces to Royalty of Malaysia, including the Sultan of Pahang (King of Malaysia at time of presentation) and 3 other federal ministers with the series she calls ‘A Blessed Nation’
Clean Cut
Where do you get your inspiration?
I'm inspired by change. The world is moving towards robotics and AI. Those who fail to follow will fall behind.
Best Commissioned artwork ever done was…?
For the King of Malaysia (at the time of presentation). The best commissioned artworks I’ve ever done, titled ‘A Blessed Nation’ was for 3 federal ministers of Malaysia and the Sultan of Pahang (Royalty of Malaysia) in early 2020.
Would love to exhibit my work in …
Tate Modern, London.
Blessed Nation
How have you developed your career?
It began with a passion for fine arts, where I completed my university studies in Central St. Martin's, London. My career 2 design firms and releasing an online creative marketplace over the course of 20 years. Throughout the process, I reignited my passion and began painting where my presence in the local artistic community grew through online galleries into the international community which had allowed me to gain more exposure through multiple exhibitions across the globe.
What is your life quote/motto?
Giving up is equals to closing your own doors to opportunities. Only persistence can complete your journey.
Dragon Boat Race
How have you developed your career?
It began with a passion for fine arts, where I completed my university studies in Central St. Martin's, London. My career 2 design firms and releasing an online creative marketplace over the course of 20 years. Throughout the process, I reignited my passion and began painting where my presence in the local artistic community grew through online galleries into the international community which had allowed me to gain more exposure through multiple exhibitions across the globe.
What is your life quote/motto?
Giving up is equals to closing your own doors to opportunities. Only persistence can complete your journey.
An Aliance
What does your work aim to say?
This series for the Shanghai International Art Fair 2020; My work aims to motivate and bring about change in the viewers’ minds. Portraying the traditional terracotta warrior coming back to life after thousands of years and experiencing the new Era for the first time. He is not familiar with most of the new gadgets or methods. So, he equips himself with knowledge of traditional ways to solve his issues. It is a funny depiction of the new China.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
You need to let go of everything you have learn before you can find yourself.
Art is an expression, not a skill you learn. It is a collection of thoughts and events that happen in life, which moulds your style and work. It cannot be judge by the eyes only but rather, to simultaneously be felt by your senses.