Bibi Lei | Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025 | Sands Resorts Macao

Artist: Bibi-Lei

Born in Macao of Portuguese-Chinese descent and currently based in Tokyo, Bibi Lei is a rapidly emerging contemporary artist who has garnered international attention for her whimsical and vividly colorful painting style. A self-taught artist, she paints intuitively with her hands, often portraying a recurring character—the “Brave Girl”—who symbolizes innocence and courage, journeying through a dreamlike world filled with hope and childlike wonder.

Bibi became the first and youngest artist from Macao to achieve a sale record at Sotheby’s London, with her work selling at 193% above the estimated price, marking a significant milestone for the Macao art scene. She is also the first female artist from Macao to exhibit during Art Basel Week at Art Miami. Since 2022, her career has grown rapidly, attracting the attention of collectors across Japan, Europe, and Asia. In just two years, she has exhibited in 12 international cities, including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong, establishing herself as one of Asia’s most promising emerging artists.

Bibi's artistic vision is deeply shaped by her childhood, especially the time she spent in Portugal with her grandmother, who specialized in painting ceramics. Immersed in a world of colors from an early age, her creativity was later reignited after becoming a mother. She then made the bold move to Tokyo to fully dedicate herself to her artistic journey—an act that represents both a personal and creative rebirth.

Artworks

The Arrow of Pure Heart (2025)

Fiber glass, 210 (H) CM

This sculpture blends elements of Eastern and Western mythology and fairy tales through three characters—Abby from the Western magical tradition of Sesame Street, BibiFa — the little fairy from the East, and Cupid — the Roman god of love: a cross-cultural dialogue symbolizing love and courage. The sculpture presents Abby and BibiFa as messengers of love and courage, floating gracefully in a magical moment of innocence and belief. The artwork depicts the encounter of two young girls in Macao, a city where Eastern and Western cultures converge. Transformed into new representations of Cupid, they embody the power of friendship, balance, and harmony, together creating a healing world filled with love and imagination. The sculpture not only conveys the fusion of innocence and myth but also deeply reflects artist Bibi Lei’s own identity as a Portuguese-Chinese Macanese, celebrating cross-cultural connection, feminine strength, and the transformative magic of belief.