John Lie a Fo - 1993 - Enfant soleil - Nice frame - Deloitte corporate collection - Sold

1993 - Enfant soleil from the Deloitte Corporate Collection

John Lie A Fo trained at the 'Royal Academy of Fine Arts' in Antwerp, Belgium, and the 'Vrije Academie' in The Hague, The Netherlands, and currently lives in French Guiana. Lie A Fo paints on canvas, 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 different 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 most 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, a large retrospective exhibition, including a beautiful catalogue, about Lie A Fo was held in Saint-Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana.

In French Guiana, the artist is also deeply involved with EMEGA, an organization that uses art 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 sixties, when the world was young and full of possibilities, Lie A Fo wandered through 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 Vrije Academie 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 threw himself wholeheartedly into 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 leap to French Guiana. There, in this mirror of Suriname's lush landscapes, Lie A Fo found a new breath for his work. His art, rich in jungle themes, building bridges between cultures, became a window to a world where unity in diversity is not only possible, but also alive, 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 man, nature and spirituality. Each piece echoes the 'Alakondre' sentiment - 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 that spans 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 Vrije Academie in The Hague has laid the 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 seeking 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

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