A pluridisciplinary and self-taught artist from Quebec, René Lemay (1934-2015) has made his mark in contemporary realist painting for over 25 years. In 1990, he participated in his first of many professional exhibitions. His subsequent work in acrylic is known for its vibrant hues, its liveliness and its expressions of delight. In the 2000s, Lemay began travelling extensively. These travels marked a turning point in his artistic journey, as can be seen in his choice of colors and his paintings’ subjects. During this period, the Magdalen Islands in Quebec and Asia became the epicenters of his creative universe. He sketched the inspiration for his work in Thailand, China, Bali, Vietnam and Singapore. In Hanoi, he learned techniques such as lacquer and bronze sculpture from the masters.
