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Joyce Yiu
CANADA
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“My favourite quote is: 'I make art to show my soul I am listening.”
Joyce Yiu is a contemporary and abstract artist who resides in Toronto, Canada. Known for her strong compositions, bold shapes, and harmonious use of color, her signature style is distinctive and deeply reflective of her artistic journey.
Dialogue 1 | Mixed Media
$500
24 X 18
Dialogue 1 is based on a Plein air painting made when I was visiting Malta. I was intrigued with the stone arches everywhere. When I returned home I turned the painting into an abstract artwork. It is a dialogue of history and time. A dialogue of the place and the artist. A dialogue of the viewer and the painter
Born in Hong Kong, Joyce Yiu moved to Canada with her family, where she was raised in a large family of five boys and three girls. From an early age, she dedicated her spare time to drawing imaginary people and designing fancy clothes, often using her siblings as models for her creations.
Dialogue 2 | Mixed Media
1500
20 X 24
In Dialogue 2, the shapes are linked together like islands on a map. I was travelling along the coast of Italy and Spain. Even though the colour palette is mostly cool, it has a warm and sunny vibe. The green/blue of the background is like that of the Mediterranean Sea
Joyce Yiu’s academic background includes studying music and English Literature at university. Although her degree was not in fine arts, her passion for painting was deeply influenced by her studies in literature and music. Over the years, she attended numerous art workshops to hone her skills, furthering her education in the visual arts.
“Bold shapes and harmonious colour define my signature painting style.”
One of Joyce Yiu’s pivotal moments came when she took a watercolor portrait course at the North Light Art School in the United States. This course ignited a desire for further artistic growth, prompting her to seek out famous art teachers and mentors, all while balancing the responsibilities of raising a family.
Dialogue 3 | Mixed Media
$1,200
14 X 18
I also name this painting,”circle game’. The shapes are like rose petals circulating the hemisphere. There is an inner energy even though the colour palette if pastel. The elements are like dances that illuminate life itself. Among its randomness, there is a sense of order. This is a intuitive painting.
I am trying to freeze the memory of summer. The swimmer is like a statue in the ocean begging summer never to go away. This is a delicate piece that embrace the Mediterranean summer.
Last Summer | Mixed Media
$1,000
16 X 16
Joyce Yiu’s professional art career began to take shape when she exhibited her work at the Toronto Inside Art Show, held at the Toronto Convention Centre. Her work quickly gained recognition, attracting collectors from around the world, including private individuals, government institutions, and foreign embassies.
“My paintings are shaped by music and literature, layered with bold colour and abstract movement, creating space, rhythm, and dialogue with every viewer.”
“My new collection, Dialogue, is a manifestation of my love for music and poetry. It explores the dialogue of time and place, the dialogue between elements, and the dialogue between the viewer and myself as the painter. My preferred medium is oil on canvas, but I often incorporate mixed media to enhance the depth of my visions. My style is an interplay of colour and shapes, which I connect through muted negative space to provide breathing room for the viewer. I use abstract techniques to create a sense of dynamic movement, letting overlays of colour and expressive lines guide the eye across the canvas. In some pieces, I introduce linear elements to add a structural contrast to my more fluid brushstrokes, creating depth, rhythm, and intrigue.”
Two of Joyce Yiu’s paintings, ‘Rhyme’ and ‘Reason’, were selected by Canadian Art Prints and sold worldwide. Her dedication to her craft has led her to win numerous Best in Shows and Honourable Mentions. One of her standout accomplishments was the acquisition of her painting, ‘City Nightfall’, which became the first winner of the city’s Cathy Forbes Purchase Award and is now part of the city's permanent collection.
Journey Home | Oil
$2,500
28 X 36
Journey Home is a thoughtful composition of interesting shapes and colour. The inter-related elements seem to suggest the up and down of the figure’s life journey. Yet besides the suggestion of the piece, the artwork showcases a delightful, playful and pleasing vibe.
A major milestone in Joyce Yiu's career was delivering her large painting, ‘The Village’, to the Argentina Embassy, a highlight that affirmed the international recognition of her work. This achievement solidified her reputation as an accomplished artist with a unique voice in the contemporary art world.
Awakening 1 | Mixed Media
$1,200
16 X 16
Awakening is a new collection. The painter has the attitude of “I will do it my way”. The shapes are strong and bold and they follow the brushstrokes unapologetically. And that is where the energy lies. The limited palette is a deliberate choice. The orange is a focal point. The black serves as counterpoint.
Joyce Yiu is deeply inspired by the celebrated French painter Nicolas de Staël, whose abstract style has greatly influenced her artistic approach. Her collection, ‘Symphony’, features strong female figures painted in bold and colorful blocks, reflecting her admiration for Nicolas de Staël’s distinctive abstract expressionism.
Awakening 2 holds more shapes and elements then #1. The background resembles a global map. The bold dark stroke takes centre stage and render the painting’s energy. The fire-like scribbles lend the piece its magic. The painting embraces a sophisticated vibe for a sophisticated collector.
Awakening 2 | Mixed Media
$1,000
16 X 16
"I am inspired by Nicolas de Staël’s abstracted artwork."
Awakening 3 | Mixed Media
$1,500
20 X 24
Awakening 3 is a finale of the collection. Here I dig deep into my obsession with geometric lines and shapes. The hidden ladder-like lines provide a structure for the soft orange colour which melts into the muted background. The wild pink is the icing of the cake. The barely visible lines play a big role in providing depth and layers. This is a striking abstract piece for the discern collector.
Joyce Yiu’s newest collection, ‘Dialogue’, embodies her love for music and poetry. The collection is an exploration of the dialogue between time and place, the elements, and the relationship between the viewer and the artist. This ongoing collection reflects Joyce Yiu’s belief in the importance of these dialogues within the art world.
Interweave 1 has a palette of muted yellow, orange and blue. The shapes interweave one another, giving it an almost mid century vibe. It perfectly complements a unique urban home.
Interweave 1 | Oil
$1,200
24 X 18
Joyce Yiu sees art-making as a lifelong journey of exploration. Even after years of experience, she continues to challenge herself with new techniques and ideas, approaching each canvas with curiosity rather than certainty. For her, growth happens in the quiet moments—between brushstrokes, in failed experiments, and in the courage to keep evolving. This mindset keeps her work fresh, honest, and deeply personal.
Interweave 2 | Oil
$1,200
24 X 18
This is a diptych to Interweave 1. Sharing the same muted colour. They complement each other to form a striking pair.
"My inspiration comes from my inner soul and lived experiences."
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