Hong Kong in miniature: artist Lorraine Loots paints landscapes the size of a coin
What began as a side project for South African artist at a time of personal loss quickly became an internet sensation – and her full-time job. This week she’s showing a selection of her works in Hong Kong – including some of the city
Lorraine Loots paints landscapes, objects and portraits that are rich in colours and details – all on a surface the size of a coin.
Not unlike miniature paintings practised by artists in the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia, the 29-year-old’s work is elaborate yet extremely small. She recently collaborated with luxury skincare brand La Mer and a selection of her works are on show at Gallery by the Harbour in Harbour City until September 11.
Loots started doing miniature paintings three years ago for a very practical reason. “I came up with this idea of doing a project outside of my normal work hours. I would set aside an hour a day, every day for a year. In that hour I would complete an artwork. So the only thing I could complete is something that’s small,” says Loots.
The project lasted two years and Loots’ paintings became an online sensation, with tens of thousands of followers on her Instagram account. But behind the online success, she actually had a rough start.