Francesco Lietti has been calling Hong Kong home since early 2006, and his affection for this dynamic, eclectic city is vividly evident in his artwork. His pieces draw from a rich tapestry of memories and experiences, living in harmony with themes of travel and discovery.
About the artist
Francesco Lietti has been calling Hong Kong home since early 2006, and his affection for this dynamic, eclectic city is vividly evident in his artwork. His pieces draw from a rich tapestry of memories and experiences, living in harmony with themes of travel and discovery.
Lietti's first visit to Hong Kong in the summer of 2005 was a sensory explosion. Enchanted by the city's vibrant colors, intoxicating smells, and kaleidoscopic scenes, he felt compelled to return and make it his home. For Lietti, Hong Kong is more than a city; it’s an ever-changing canvas that can't be fully contained within a frame. He captures its essence with simple, direct forms and a touch of humor, presenting the city in an almost caricatured splendor.
His use of striking colors breathes life into Hong Kong’s iconic harbor skyline, blending reality and fantasy. With bold blocks of paint representing buildings and smaller patches of textured color dancing across the cityscape, his work exudes a dream-like, ephemeral quality. Lietti primarily works with acrylic and oils on canvas, incorporating collage for added texture and depth, and finishes his pieces with a thick, glossy resin that enhances their vibrant hues.
Lietti’s artistic journey doesn’t stop in Hong Kong. He captures the lush greens of Vietnam and Bali, the golden sunsets of Rajasthan, the deep blue seascapes of the Philippines, and the cosmopolitan allure of London and Singapore. Each piece offers a glimpse into a magical world where reality and imagination converge.
Born in Lecco, on the picturesque shores of Lake Como in Italy, Lietti's artistic path began with studies in architecture in Milan. He further honed his craft at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris and the Clerkenwell College of Printing in London.
His works are now cherished in private collections worldwide, as well as public schools, corporate clients, and commercial spaces.
When he’s not painting in his studio, you might find Francesco riding his motorbike through the Hong Kong hills, chasing new views, or exploring the diverse landscapes of Asia in search of inspiration.
From the moment Francesco began his artistic journey, he has been captivated by the vibrancy, energy, and beauty of the world around him. Each new landscape, cityscape, and encounter offers limitless possibilities, stories, and adventures that beckon him to explore and create. The aromas, tastes, and colors he encounters infuse his work with a unique, almost intoxicating richness.
Painting is a fluid and immersive process, allowing the artist to relive and reinterpret his diverse experiences, often inspired by his travels and discoveries. These moments are internalized and expressed almost subliminally on his canvases. As compositions take shape, colors are meticulously chosen, and key elements emerge organically. His approach is one of relaxation and refinement. Layer by layer, element by element, tone by tone, Lietti brings the memory of each place and adventure to life. Through his art, he invites viewers from around the globe to experience the essence of his journeys, capturing the soul of each moment in every piece.
