Horizons Art Gallery is presenting a new exhibition featuring the work of Marissa Yung Lee, a self-taught artist who has gained recognition for her striking oil portraits of cultural and traditional mas performers. Lee's latest collection, titled "A Love Letter to Trinidad and Tobago," celebrates the nation's rich cultural heritage through her distinctive artistic style that blends Contemporary Realism with Impressionism.
Working primarily in oil, Lee's artistic technique reflects a deep engagement with value study, impressionistic color, and alla prima brush and knife work. Her inspiration stems from the profound connections she forms with her subjects, as well as the continual challenge and beauty of the medium itself. "The best part of painting for me is the people I meet," Lee explains. "To form these wonderful connections, to tell someone's story, is a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously."
Lee's portraits transcend literal representation to evoke emotion and mystery, with each piece telling a story and each brushstroke capturing a fleeting moment in time. Her work includes pieces titled "Gede Nibo," "Sugarplum," "Spellbound," and "Sentience," which showcase her ability to bring cultural performers to life on canvas. The collection bridges the villages of her imagination while celebrating the familiar subjects she has come to love, venturing into new creative territory with a few playful twists along the way.
The artist has achieved significant recognition both locally and internationally. Lee's work has been featured at prestigious venues including the National Museum, The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, The Rotunda Gallery, Horizons Art Gallery, Arnim's Art Galleria, and Coco Vivo Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina. Her paintings also reside in private collections both locally and internationally. In recognition of her talent, she was awarded a distinction by the Portrait Society of America in their 25th Annual International Portrait Competition.
Adding to her impressive list of accolades, Lee's painting of Kidale Sylvan as Christopher Death has been selected as a finalist in The Almenara 2025 Art Prize in Spain, competing in the Fantastic Realism category. Though she admits the recognition still feels surreal, Lee expresses immense pride that out of thousands of entries from around the world, a moko jumbie now stands representing Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.
The opening night of Lee's exhibition will take place on November 11 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Horizons Art Gallery, located at 37 Mucurapo Road, St. James. The exhibition will run until November 22, with gallery hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Admission is free for all visitors. For additional information, interested parties can call 628-9769 or visit www.horizonsartgallery.com.
