Gwen Yip, born in Hong Kong and now based in New Jersey, paints quiet, overlooked moments of human experience. Having lived and worked in New York, London, and Hong Kong, she draws from urban life to shape her practice. Her signature Backs series portrays figures seen from behind, stripping away identity to invite viewers’ own projections and emotions. Through these faceless silhouettes, Yip explores the burdens, dreams, and hopes we all carry. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in private collections in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Statement:
I am drawn to the quiet, often overlooked moments of human experience in the rush of everyday urban life. By painting figures from behind, I shift the focus from identity to posture, gesture, and mood, inviting viewers to project their emotions and stories onto the work.
My work distills scenes to their essential elements, emphasizing some details while leaving others out, just as we experience the world. We see what we want to see, hear what we choose to hear, and overlook the rest.
Rather than asking who these figures are, I ask what they reveal about the viewer. In this way, Backs is not just about others—it is a study of the self. I see these figures as self-portraits. They become mirrors, reflecting our inner landscapes.
We all carry things on our backs – burdens and regrets, dreams and hopes. Some barely bear their weight, while others carry them with ease.
What do you carry on your back?