Since his return to Hong Kong in 2019, entrepreneur, bodybuilder and artist Lynus Woo has gotten to know his home city through a fresh set of lens. Although his family had firmly set their roots in law, the young artist has paved his own path to success in the fitness and art world.
A whirlwind of experiences and reflection has propelled him to embrace change as an inevitable part of forming one’s identity. Enlightened, Woo debuts his first ever solo exhibition at the brand new concept gym REP. from 21 May. The exhibition will showcase a collection of portraitures, abstract painting and mixed media art that were completed in 2019, shortly after his return to the city. Portraying person’s unique story, creating narratives through colours and textures, and drawing from both Western and Eastern influences, we speak with the multi-talented artist and personal trainer about his upcoming exhibition and fitness space.
You come from a family that founded one of the most successful law firms in Hong Kong, could you share with us what inspired you to pursue fine arts and what that means to you?
Even though my family founded one of the most successful law firms in Hong Kong, I had never been pressured to follow in their footsteps. In fact, I am very fortunate to have had their support throughout all my passions.
Initially, I had wanted to study architecture, but after a summer of architectural courses and internships while studying at Harrow International School, I realised that my true passion lies in fine arts. I enjoyed the freedom it gave me to express myself – it had no boundaries, no restrictions. When I entered university, that is when I started looking deeper into my art. Being questioned on my work helped me think about the meaning of every stroke, technique and colour I chose to put on canvas. It’s safe to say that it was then that I was fully immersed in art and the experience it afforded me to use it as a medium to connect with people.
(Colours and the Human Psyche, 2022; 77 x 102cm Oil on canvas)
What was the inspiration behind the artworks in A Pilgrimage in Colours?
I tend to paint what I feel in the moment. All of my paintings are basically like entries in a journal, and this exhibition is my personal diary. I have always been captivated by colours — each shade has its own meaning, and it fascinates me the many ways you can put together a blend of colours, and create a whole new story.
Colour is an ever-changing thing for me, they’re vibrant and bounce off each other, even the paint on top of the canvas changes in appearance over time. The way my paintings are displayed, the pronounced use of colours was the best way for me to immediately draw in the audience while conveying human thoughts and emotions.
(Confrontation Between the Painter and Colour, 2019; 76 x 76cm Oil on canvas)
From body builder and fitness trainer to a young emerging artist with your first ever solo exhibition, could you shed some light on the connection between your two passions?
I see art not just as a way of communicating, but also as a tool to help other people. Helping people really inspired me to get involved with bodybuilding and fitness training, and it is what inspired me to pursue art as well.
I started going to the gym to sculpt a version of me that I envisioned to be my ideal self. In personal training and bodybuilding, that is what I try to help people achieve as well. In a sense, sculpting the body is like creating your best work of art. People might not always see the similarities between going to the gym and creating art, but to me, they deliver the same purpose but in different forms. Although only the physical aspects of what you have created can be seen, the core of its values are what makes the two worlds align; it takes focus, practice and dedication to achieve a masterpiece.
(The Broken Series, 2020; 90 x 120cm Acrylic & mixed media on canvas)
You will be launching a new fitness centre that doubles as an art gallery. Could you tell us more about what visitors can expect?
REP. is a premium concept gym that aims to redefine the fitness space. We understand that gyms and fitness studios can sometimes feel intense and intimidating; that most dread stepping through the doors before they even get there. So at REP., we want to provide a safe place for people to come together, be themselves and release stress.
We decided to hold the exhibition at REP. before its official opening day because we are introducing a new concept in the fitness space. We want to introduce ourselves as more than just a gym, we are a community. Here, visitors will find layers to what we offer and an ever-changing place in which visitors can come in be inspired by the various art displays, installations and multimedia exhibitions. At REP., we don’t follow rules, we aim for limitless possibilities of change.
(SARS-CoV-2, 2020; 70 x 100cm Acrylic and pastel on paper / Non-Fungible , 2021; 77 x 102cm Oil on canvas)
I believe art has a way of inspiring people to look into themselves, as well as outward into society, to stimulate their senses, find meaning in life and human existence. I want people to immerse themselves in the art pieces and forget stress and gain a different, more positive perspective. The beauty of art is that every piece is up to interpretation, and can be a medium for discourse among observers. This is our intention for the space, and hope visitors can be absorbed in this therapeutic experience of artistic introspection.
For more details on the exhibition visit lynuswooart.com or contact the team at (852) 3169 9966 .
Exhibition Dates: 21 May to 24 May 2022
Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Venue: REP., 25 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong Island