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Yau Bee Ling is one of the contemporary artists whose work revolves around the subject of family, feminism, and the notion of identity. Widely exhibited locally and overseas, Yau was the Malaysian representative at the 9th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh in 1999, and also participated in the 2nd Fukuoka Triennale in 2002. Executed with vibrant hues, lively forms, and a unique play of space, Yau’s works would at first glance seem joyous and festive. Upon closer scrutiny, a sense of melancholy and solitude would emerge through hints of objects, poses or expressions. A master of composition and symbolism, Yau’s adeptness is clearly shown here where three figures are depicted amidst an abundance of food and fruits, but strangely there is no sign of interaction and celebration. The indifferent facial expressions punctuate the viewer with a sense of brittle honesty that may at first seem deceptively naïve. Coming from a traditional Chinese family, Yau cherishes the traditional cultural values that are fast vanishing in this technology driven world. Through Celebrations, the artist is perhaps urging the viewer to re-establish distant family ties especially during festive seasons.

Yau Bee Ling graduated from Malaysian Institute of Art, 1995 with award of full scholarship and was artist-in-residence at Rimbun Dahan, Kuala Lumpur. In 2004, her paintings travelled to Hokkaido Museum of Contemporary Art as part of Soul of Asia: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Collection.