Fuzzy figures dance, row and frolic in Antonio Lee’s paintings

Brazilian artist Antonio Lee paints abstract figures in crowds, pools, playing chess, on boats and wandering hallways. His characters are often without facial features and their expressions are communicated through postures and movements, with a slouch and and a wave conveying the narrative mood. Antonio’s work is reminiscent of that of Peter Doig and Marlene Dumas, as well as Gerhard Richter’s early portraiture, all of whom paint people and places that are unattainable, not quite visible or necessarily existing in a way that draws in the viewer without giving too much away.

As well as his figurative work, Antonio paints abstract patterns informed by natural and manmade landscapes which clearly influence his treatment of the figure. Whilst his characters are abstract, they have a clear sense of tone – in terms of both feeling and mark-making; Antonio’s work is engaging and despite the fuzzy sense of clarity it feels generous in its observations and depictions of private lives.